Jurgen Klopp is set to name Trent Alexander-Arnold and Jordan Henderson in Liverpool’s first squad since the World Cup break.
The Reds are back in action this Thursday, after nearly six weeks without a game. And as per the Liverpool Echo, Liverpool’s two England internationals are likely to be involved against Manchester City.
There is no indication over whether either player will start as of yet. But the expectation is that Klopp will have the option of selecting both Trent and Henderson if needs be.
Some less good news comes in the form that Virgil van Dijk is said to be a definite ‘no’ for the game against City. It is claimed that the Dutchman may still return for Liverpool’s Boxing Day trip to Aston Villa, though.
Liverpool looking stronger already
The headline news here is that Alexander-Arnold is set to return. With Calvin Ramsay only featuring sporadically since his return from injury, it looks as though his minutes are being carefully managed.
With that in mind, a high-intensity game with City may not be the best thing for him. As a result, Liverpool really need Trent to immediately slot back in.
Klopp’s other option could be to stick Joe Gomez or James Milner in at right-back. Gomez is more than capable against what’s likely to be a second-string City side, while Milner did a great job against Pep Guardiola’s first team in October.
With Van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate still unavailable though, Gomez should be used at centre-back. He, Joel Matip and Nat Phillips are Liverpool’s remaining options without their No.’s 4 and 5.
Given the depth of Guardiola’s squad, the Reds can’t afford to take them too lightly. As Matip and Gomez are Klopp’s strongest available centre-back pairing, that’s what he should go with.
All of this depends on what kind of shape Trent is currently in, of course. But having played so little football during the World Cup, he should be raring to go.
Either way, it’s a tough, tough assignment for Liverpool to recommence their season. The second half of the campaign simply has to be better than the first.
A game away at City could be the perfect shot in the arm this team needs. Thankfully, it looks as though they’ll be able to call on their skipper and their No.66 to help provide it.
Receive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox
