Liverpool dealt blow as Minamino blocked from making Reds debut

Liverpool have been dealt a blow with the news that Takumi Minamino won’t be able to make his Reds debut this week.

The Japanese will officially become a Liverpool player on New Year’s Day, having completed a move from Salzburg.

Minamino could potentially have been handed his Reds bow against Sheffield United on Thursday evening, but that won’t be happening now.

The Mirror report that he won’t be eligible to face the Blades at Anfield, with the Premier League stating that “new players signed on 1-2 January will not be eligible for Matchweek 21.”

That means Minamino’s debut will now likely come at home to Everton on Sunday, in the FA Cup third round.

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It is a blow to Liverpool in some respects, but then again, the Everton game always felt more likely to be Minamino’s first game for his new club.

He is a hugely exciting signing who will add more depth and class to the Reds’ midfield.

Hopefully, he will have the same impact as Virgil van Dijk on his debut, when he scored a late winner against Everton in the FA Cup.