Ahead of star-studded clash between Manchester United and Liverpool on Monday night, here is the latest team and injury news for Jurgen Klopp’s side.
What’s the latest?
Issuing an update in Friday’s pre-match press conference, Klopp delivered some positive news surrounding the injury status of his players.
A player that the German boss touched on was Joe Gomez, after he confirmed that the 25-year-old will start on Monday.
As per Liverpool Echo, Klopp said:
“It is an opportunity. He only came back to team training on Sunday from a little issue. Nat Phillips played a really good game against Palace. Joe is back, he will start and it’s a big opportunity.”
On the prospect of Diogo Jota and Curtis Jones’ potential return to the Liverpool first-team, Klopp said:
“Diogo Jota and Curtis Jones are both getting closer to fitness, but no chance for Man United game.”
Klopp will be delighted
The return of Gomez represents a big boost for Klopp, who was forced to play Nat Phillips in the last game against Crystal Palace, due to the injury status of Joel Matip, Ibrahima Konate and the aforementioned Gomez.
His return to the first-team is big and will allow Liverpool to comfortably play their high-line, knowing that both Gomez and Virgil van Dijk have the pace to drop deep and recover the ball if needed.
After featuring regularly across the 2019/2020 season, making 28 appearances during that time, Gomez has been a rarely seen figure in the Liverpool first-team, having been hampered by injuries and falling behind in the pecking order behind Matip and Konate.
His talent is undeniable, so he will be hoping to make the most of what Klopp has denoted is a “big opportunity.”
The Liverpool boss will be delighted with his return and will be hoping he can break their streak of conceding goals, with the Reds leaking three goals in the opening two affairs.
Other than that, the likes of Jota and Jones have had a boost of their own in terms of the step up in their recovery. But, the pair are still nowhere near ready for Monday’s game against the Red Devils.
In what is an ultimately rare case, both teams will be fighting for their first win of the season in matchweek 3 of the Premier League.