Liverpool will seek to return to winning form as they host Burnley at Anfield this Saturday (15.00 GMT).
Following a 3-1 defeat against Arsenal last weekend, the Reds’ aspirations for the Premier League title took a hit. Jurgen Klopp’s team suffered a comprehensive loss in north London and had little grounds for complaint.
Consequently, Liverpool’s lead at the league’s summit was reduced to two points. If Manchester City triumph over Everton in the early kick-off, Liverpool will enter their match having relinquished their top position.
However, Klopp seems unfazed. With just two league losses this season, Liverpool still controls their fate in the title race.
Liverpool secured a 2-0 victory over Burnley during their previous encounter at Turf Moor on Boxing Day. Despite Burnley’s second-bottom position and a seven-point gap from safety, Klopp emphasized that his team won’t underestimate their opponent.
As the match approaches, here’s an early overview of the team news for both sides.
1. Ibrahima Konate – out
The defender was sent off for receiving two yellow cards against Arsenal and must serve a one-match ban.
2. Joel Matip – out
The Liverpool defender continues his recovery from a long-term ACL injury.
3. Stefan Bajcetic – out
The midfielder has been struggling with growing pains and has still to be spotted back in training.
4. Ben Doak – out
The exciting teenage winger has a knee injury that’s kept him out since December.
5. Mo Salah – doubt
Liverpool’s talisman has been posting several photos of his recovery in a bid to get fit but he won’t be rushed back. Salah has scored 18 goals for the Reds this season.
6. Kostas Tsimikas – doubt
The Greece international has been sidelined for the past six weeks with a shoulder injury. Tsimikas has been back in training but much will depend on when he’s given the green light to again be able to feature.
7. Dominik Szoboszlai – doubt
The midfielder has suffered a recurrence of a hamstring injury and Liverpool were assessing the extent on his issue.
8. Conor Bradley – doubt
The 20-year-old’s father sadly passes away last week. Bradley returned to Northern Ireland and Liverpool are understandably giving him as much time as he needs.
9. Wataru Endo – potential return
The midfielder’s dream of captaining Japan to Asian Cup glory is over after they crashed out in the quarter-finals. Endo should again be able to feature.
10. Nathan Redmond – out
The winger had thigh surgery last month and won’t play again this season.
11. Luca Koleosho – out
The exciting teenage winger has a knee injury.
12. Jordan Beyer – doubt
The defender has missed Burnley’s past four games.
13. Charlie Taylor – doubt
The left-back has been absent for the Clarets’ previous three matches.
14. Hannes Delcroix – doubt
The versatile defender hasn’t played in Burnley’s previous three games.
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