Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is facing a serious selection dilemma for the Premier League clash with Brighton & Hove Albion.
The Reds could be without three key players as Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate and Thiago all missed training for unknown reasons this week.
Speaking ahead of the trip to the south coast, Klopp remained coy over the availability of the trio but did admit that there were Covid issues within the camp.
Klopp press conference starting shortly. Hopefully some positive updates on Van Dijk/Thiago/Konate after they seemingly missed training https://t.co/fWXQ6JUazU
— Sean Bradbury (@seanbrad2) March 11, 2022
There was positive news on Roberto Firmino however as the Brazilian was confirmed as available for the crucial match.
The return of the 30-year-old gives Klopp a wealth of attacking options to choose from and could perhaps see some big omissions from the starting lineup.
Here’s how we think Liverpool could lineup…
READ LIVERPOOL VERDICT
Predicted XI: Alisson; Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joel Matip, Joe Gomez, Andy Robertson; Fabinho, Jordan Henderson, Naby Keita; Mohamed Salah, Luis Diaz, Sadio Mane.
Predicted Subs: Caoimhin Kelleher, James Milner, Curtis Jones, Harvey Elliott, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Diogo Jota, Divock Origi, Takumi Minamino, Roberto Firmino.
This is one of the more difficult lineups to call due to the uncertainty around the Covid issues in the squad.
If either of Konate or Van Dijk are available then they’re certain to feature, as is Thiago.
However, without the trio it’s likely Klopp will select something akin to this and perhaps use Fabinho or Henderson at centre-back once again if required.
In attack, Diogo Jota has been off form since making a prompt return from an ankle issue and Firmino is liely to need minutes from the bench before earning a start.
