International break tends to be a nervy time for managers of clubs and fans as well. Considering the packed schedule, injuries are often unavoidable and this international break hasn’t been kind to Liverpool.
The Reds are winless in their last four games in all competitions, though fixtures in the last 30 days or so haven’t been kind. Jürgen Klopp’s side have the perfect opportunity to bounce back this weekend when they take on Huddersfield Town.
David Wagner’s side have struggled to get going so far this season are in the bottom three, still searching for their first win.
Mohamed Salah did not feature in Egypt’s clash against Swaziland but trained on Wednesday, so he should be able to feature. Virgil van Dijk is another player who missed the second international game but like Salah, the centre-back trained despite reports of a rib injury.
Sadio Mane is a doubt having undergone a procedure to treat a hand injury. Naby Keita is set to miss the clash with a hamstring injury he picked up a few days ago.
Defence
It remains to be seen if Klopp will risk van Dijk considering there’s a Champions League fixture next midweek. Joe Gomez and Dejan Lovren could start as the centre-halves in our opinion. Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson are expected to keep their place as the fullbacks. Alisson has had a solid start to his Liverpool career and will start in goal.
Midfield
Although Keita’s injury is a blow, James Milner is back in training and could feature against Huddersfield. The fans are still a bit puzzled as to why Fabinho hasn’t started a league game yet. Huddersfield, in my opinion, is perhaps the perfect opportunity to give him his first start in the league.
The summer recruit started against Chelsea in the Carabao Cup but failed to impress in what was a much-changed outfit to the regular Liverpool lineup. Gini Wijnaldum and Jordan Henderson could start alongside Fabinho this weekend. Milner might be used as a second-half substitute.
Another midfielder who is in contention to get a few minutes is Adam Lallana. He seems like a forgotten man but Keita’s short-term injury gives him the chance to make a statement.
Attack
Sadio Mane is unlikely to be risked considering the resources Klopp has at his disposal. It could finally mean Xherdan Shaqiri getting a start. Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino could keep their place in their respective position, which means Shaqiri could replace Mane on the left.
Shaqiri – Firmino – Salah
Wijnaldum – Fabinho – Henderson
Robertson – Lovren – Gomez – TAA
Alisson
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