Vinicius Junior has claimed that he hopes all of Liverpool’s injured players are fit to play in the Champions League final on Saturday.
In an interview with Diario AS, the Real Madrid man said he’s looking forward to taking on a full-strength Liverpool.
“Hopefully they play with all of them,” said the 21-year-old. “We want an amazing match between two teams with all their players, with 100% concentration. And both fighting for the most important thing, which is the Champions League.”
Liverpool are currently sweating on the fitness of a number of key players heading into the final. We’re right there with Vinicius hoping they all make it!
Injury issues for Liverpool
Liverpool’s main concerns ahead of the Champions League final are Fabinho and Thiago Alcantara. Virgil Van Dijk and Mohamed Salah have both had slight issues in the last 10 days or so, but they look like both being ready.
Joe Gomez and Divock Origi are others who have been struck down prior to the final. Both would have been highly unlikely to start the game though, and Gomez looks more likely than not to be involved anyway.
So, the biggest issues remain Liverpool’s two best midfielders. The Reds are set to train ahead of the final for the first time this afternoon. Who is and isn’t on the training pitch will be an indicator of who will line-up in Paris.
Past concerns against Madrid
It would be nice if, just once, Liverpool could face Real Madrid with a full squad.
Back in the Kyiv final of 2018, it was Mohamed Salah who notoriously couldn’t complete the game. At the time, Liverpool’s quality didn’t stretch much further than the first eleven and that showed after Mo was replaced.
Then, after drawing Madrid last year, Liverpool headed to Spain with a depleted squad shorn of centre-backs. Look back on that game at Valdebebas and you’ll find Nat Phillips and Ozan Kabak at the back for Liverpool.
It would be nice therefore to give them a taste of the real Liverpool with a proper eleven out.
Jurgen Klopp will have confidence in whoever is selected on Saturday evening. But with Madrid at full-strength, Liverpool could really do with being as well.