Rhian Brewster is very unlikely to start for Liverpool in their Premier League clash against Southampton at St Mary’s on Saturday, according to The Athletic journalist James Pearce.
The former Liverpool Echo reporter claimed via a live Q&A session via The Athletic’s website on Thursday that Jurgen Klopp is trying to manage Brewster’s fitness after he spent so much of last season on the sidelines with a serious ankle injury.
It is understood that the 19-year-old forward could earn a spot on the bench at Southampton after the Super Cup final win against Chelsea went to extra time and penalties on Wednesday, but it does not look as though he will start.
“Klopp is keen to ensure he handles Brewster carefully after so long out injured,” said Pearce.
“He got 70 minutes for the Under-23s last weekend after failing to make the bench against Norwich.
“I’d be amazed if Brewster started at St Mary’s but he must have a chance of being among the subs.
“Again, much will hinge on how those ahead of him in the pecking order are feeling physically after Wednesday night.”
OPINION
Brewster needs to get more opportunities but as Pearce says, Klopp is probably still trying to manage the youngster’s fitness after what was a major setback for him and his development last season. Brewster will no doubt feel a lot more match-ready after featuring for most of the Under-23s’ defeat to Tottenham last week and will also be on a high after being in the squad that travelled to Istanbul for the Super Cup victory against Chelsea. Mohamed Salah played all of that match in Turkey while Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino both played large roles despite not completing the game. It would not be a surprise to see Klopp change up his starting line-up this weekend, especially with his front three, who never really got much of a holiday after last season due to international commitments. If there’s a game Brewster could start in then it’s this one. But if Pearce doesn’t see it happening then it’s likely that he’s right.
