Liverpool host Atalanta at Anfield on Wedneday night; ahead of the game we’ve got injury news, Klopp’s thoughts and more.
Salah back – but no Bobby in training
Liverpool’s training session on Tuesday afternoon revealed Mo Salah is very much back in the frame for involvement against Atalanta.
The Reds involved a couple of players in the group who aren’t eligible for the game – defenders Nat Phillips and Billy Koumetio – and it’s apparent that the numbers are way down, with Leighton Clarkson likely to again be in the matchday squad.
That’s due to the likes of Thiago and Jordan Henderson still not being available in midfield, while at least one of Fabinho and James Milner must continue in the defensive line.
But there was also no Roberto Firmino in training ahead of the Wednesday night game, though at this stage there’s nothing to suggest it’s overly worrisome.
Win this one and we’re already through.
Matip helping the Reds through crisis
Joel Matip has quickly become one of the most important players in the team again, with injury ravaging the back line and experienced heads in short supply.
He says he’s keen to step up and provide know-how and leadership for the Reds, in the absence of some of the usual faces.
“I always try to play my part and try to be the best player I can be. If I can help some players at the moment more then, of course, I would really like to do this.”
Meanwhile, facing Diogo Jota simply comes as another chance for the defence to improve their own game, as the new forward adds to the Reds’ already stellar attack, says Matip.
“He brought extra quality but we have a lot of quality in our team,” he said in the pre-game press conference.
“Every training is a challenge, especially for a defender, and you can improve. It’s a challenge you enjoy, to play against the best players, even in training.”
Next up, on and off the pitch
No time to stop, there’s too much going on in the next few days and weeks!
- Salah says it’s his mentality to want to score more goals than anyone else in Europe which keeps driving him on
- Klopp says Bobby Firmino is an utterly vital part of the Liverpool ‘orchestra’ and has no fears about his form
- And here are the details of the role the PL will play in the return of fans over the coming weeks
Quickfire LFC news
- Lille boss Christophe Gaultier reportedly holds the Liverpool job as his “intimate goal” during his career (SW)
- Ex-Red Joao Carlos Teixeira says Jurgen Klopp is a “master” as he combined brilliant man management with unrivalled tactical expertise (Record)
- U23 forwards Paul Glatzel and Joe Hardy are set for a few weeks out with ankle ligament injuries sustained against Saints (LFC)
- Alan Shearer has explained how James Milner excelled in two roles for the Reds against Leicester (PL)
Around the Prem
- Man City‘s top target (today) is Jack Grealish, who they are prepared to pay £100m for. Will he be instead of Sterling, Foden, De Bruyne, Mahrez, Silva, Gundogan or Ferran? Oh the suspense (Indepenent)
- Ole says Dean Henderson wants to “stay” at United amid January loan rumours, presumably because everybody loves a front-row seat at a good comedy show (Sky)
- Concussion subs are on the way in the FA Cup this season, which is potentially good news for the Reds’ U16s who will probably be playing that competition (Guardian)
Hypocritical story of the day
Solskjaer says Anthony Martial must not get lazy and settle for dropping in and out of the starting line-up, which is quite something for a man best-known for being a substitute in his playing days.
Tweet of the day
Massive heart emoji and all the feels.
?? Who else is missing this?
? The last time You'll Never Walk Alone rang out around Anfield back in March.
?? Hopefully these scenes return early in 2021. pic.twitter.com/LOxIapbp3y
— This Is Anfield (@thisisanfield) November 24, 2020
Worth watching tonight
Your pick of the Champions League Liverpool warm-ups. We’d recommend PSG vs Leipzig for the intrigue and individuality. 8pm, BT Sport.
