Liverpool’s current squad availability is very unclear. Between the recent Covid shutdown and a few injury complaints, it’s difficult to know who is fit and ready to play against Arsenal in the Carabao Cup semi-final on Thursday.
The club haven’t released their usual training ground photos in the build up to the game. This is likely to be a tactic to keep Arsenal on their toes. But it does make predicting a team to start the game for Liverpool a tricky task.
It is fair to assume that those missing from the squad against Shrewsbury will still be unavailable tomorrow. That gives Jurgen Klopp little room for manoeuvre. But The Reds still have plenty of experience to call upon, while youngsters like Kaide Gordon and Conor Bradley will be itching to be involved again at Anfield.
Defence
Caoimhin Kelleher has played the last two games for Liverpool. Rumours suggest Alisson Becker is back after his Covid lay-off but this is Kelleher’s competition so expect him to continue.
In front of him Bradley looks set to get back to back starts. Ibrahima Konate should also keep his place in the side. But it would be a surprise if Virgil Van Dijk was asked to go again with Brentford to come on Sunday. Joel Matip was on the bench against Shrewsbury and should come in.
Andy Robertson was caught with a at nasty looking tackle in the dying moments on Sunday. There hasn’t been an update but even if he’s fine, Kostas Tsimikas should play.
Midfield
Klopp’s midfield option are even more thin on the ground. Arsenal will likely be close to full strength so Liverpool will need Fabinho.
Alongside him Curtis Jones will get another chance to get some rhythm after a campaign that hasn’t yet got going. Tyler Morton has had experience of big games already and should complete an unfamiliar looking trio.
Attack
Roberto Firmino marked a cameo appearance against Shrewsbury with a goal. Liverpool could do with him getting some proper match fitness again without Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah around. Bobby simply has to start here.
On his left should be 26-year-old Takumi Minamino, who has four goals in three Carabao Cup appearances this season. Kaide Gordon was impressive at the weekend and took his goal well. Unless there are any surprise returns to the squad, he can expect to start the biggest game of his career so far.
Liverpool predicted XI vs Arsenal: Kelleher; Bradley, Matip, Konate, Tsimikas; Fabinho, Jones, Morton; Minamino, Firmino, Gordon
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