Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp has provided an update on some of his players ahead of the game against Chelsea on Thursday.
The two sides will square off at Anfield, and the clash could have massive repercussions on the race for the top four spots as we head into the final stretch of the season.
Liverpool were without several key players during their win morale-boosting win against Sheffield United. The Reds are expected to have at least two players back for the clash against Chelsea as Alisson Becker and Fabinho look set to return to the squad.
Klopp also revealed that they will make a late call on whether or not Diogo Jota can be included in the squad.
“Ali [Alisson] trained this week, we should expect him to start. Fab [Fabinho] has 5/6 sessions in his legs, looks good, looks ready for the squad.
“Diogo [Jota] has this little stomach, he trained a little bit yesterday. Got a message this morning, he feels better. But we will see,” Klopp said
Klopp says Alisson has trained and should return to action v Chelsea.
Fabinho has had "five or six sessions in his legs and looks good".
Jota trained yesterday "a little bit" and "today I was told he feels better, so we'll see what steps he can make". #LFC— James Pearce (@JamesPearceLFC) March 3, 2021
Alisson and Fabinho’s returns will be a massive boost for Liverpool
Jürgen Klopp trusted the duo of Nat Phillips and Ozan Kabak as the defensive pairing for the game against Sheffield United, and they did a reasonably good job.
With Fabinho back, Klopp has the option of using him at the back as well. However, he is perhaps better off in midfield as they could do with his ability to win the ball and protect the defence.
The Reds have missed Fabinho and Jordan Henderson’s presence in midfield as they have not attacked second balls, and pressed with the same intensity that they often mustered last season.
Chelsea have adopted a different style under Thomas Tuchel, and are likely to press Liverpool from the front. The Reds will hence need their players to be comfortable on the ball and at the same time play out of the press to attack Chelsea.
With Henderson unavailable, Fabinho’s presence in midfield will add a lot more balance and stability to the midfield. Alisson’s return too cannot be understated.
Although Adrian kept a clean-sheet against Sheffield United, Alisson’s shot-stopping and distribution will be key against Chelsea. The Brazilian has been criticised in recent weeks following his error-prone displays, so he needs a good display to silence his critics.
