Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp will pick a team to face Sheffield United from the bare bones of a squad riddled with injuries. One of several Premier League teams desperately trying to keep a lid on further absences, the Reds picked up a sixth injury during their dramatic 4-3 victory over Fulham on Sunday.
Express Sport looks at who could feature against the managerless Blades on Wednesday.
Goalkeeper: Kelleher
Alisson Becker’s hamstring injury has given Caoimhin Kelleher a rare string of Premier League appearances. The 25-year-old will play in only his seventh top-flight match at Bramall Lane after Klopp ruled out Alisson’s return.
Defenders: Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Tsimikas
Joel Matip took Liverpool’s injury list to six on Sunday. Klopp is unsure how long the Cameroonian will miss after picking up what looked a painful problem during the triumph over Fulham.
Diogo Jota, Thiago Alcantara, Andy Robertson and Stefan Bajcetic join Alisson and Matip in being unavailable to face Sheffield United.
Matip will likely be replaced by Ibrahima Konate. Joe Gomez is also pushing for a start.
Midfielders: Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, Gravenberch
Liverpool’s new-look midfield is finally taking shape. Alexis Mac Allister has settled into a slightly deeper role and scored a stunning dipping volley from long range against Fulham.
Ryan Gravenberch appears to have won his battle with Curtis Jones to play alongside Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai. The latter has proved to be one of the best signings of the summer window.
It remains to be seen if Liverpool sign a more recognisable defensive midfielder in January.
Attackers: Salah, Gakpo, Diaz
Klopp’s only unenforced selection issue comes in attack, where it seems there is still some doubt over who the German’s best centre-forward is. Cody Gakpo struck twice in last week’s Europa League victory over LASK but was dropped for the weekend’s win against Fulham.
Darwin Nunez has generally started ahead of Gakpo in the Premier League. But that could change against Sheffield United, with Gakpo pushing for a start.
Mohamed Salah was unfortunate not to bag his 200th Liverpool goal against Fulham and will chase the landmark on Wednesday. His early strike against the Cottagers was ruled out for offside.
