Liverpool face a fresh injury crisis ahead of this weekend’s clash with Crystal Palace. A number of key players including Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson are either doubtful or ruled out altogether.
Robertson and Salah are continuing rehabilitation from ankle injuries sustained before the international break, and face a late fitness test over their availability. Joel Matip – who’s a knee injury in October has kept him out for over a month – is unfortunately ruled out altogether.
Despite this, Joe Gomez – who withdrew from the England squad following a knee injury this week – has reportedly won his fitness battle and should be expected to start on Saturday.
With Gomez available, Klopp may opt to start him ahead of Lovren, even though the Croatian has impressed in the games he’s been called upon this season. So much so, the club have allegedly made a U-turn on the defender’s future on Merseyside.
As for Salah and Robertson, it’s expected with the extent of their injuries unknown, Divock Origi and James Milner will deputize for the pair.
With Milner having to learn the left-back role somewhat over the years, this may be an area of weakness for Palace to exploit. It also perhaps highlights further, that the decision to not recruit a natural replacement for Robertson in the summer, could be a costly one.
Liverpool will go into the game as undeniable favourites, and with their lead at the top so comfortable, many will expect them to win.
However, with Palace enjoying an above-par season so far – along with Liverpool’s obvious deficiencies – a shock may be on the cards come Saturday.
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(Image – Eric The Fish under the Creative Commons licence)
