Liverpool midfielder Arthur Melo is competing to get his first start of the season against Chelsea tomorrow.
That’s according to the Evening Standard, who have shared a preview ahead of the Premier League clash at Stamford Bridge.
Although Jurgen Klopp confirmed Thiago Alcantara recently returned to training, he admitted that tomorrow would be too soon to see the Spaniard involved.
With Stefan Bajcetic and Naby Keita also out of contention due to injury, it’s possible we could see a change in the middle of the park.
Thus, it has been said that Arthur Melo and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are competing for a place in the starting XI.
Darwin Nunez is likely to return to the team, while Roberto Firmino and Joel Matip are also said to be in contention.
Arthur could start against Chelsea
After such a difficult time since arriving at Liverpool last summer, it would actually be great to see Arthur in action against Chelsea.
The Brazilian has played just 13 minutes of football for the Reds, having suffered a thigh tear early on which kept him out of action for the vast majority of the season.
That cameo actually came in the Champions League, so the 26-year-old is still yet to make an appearance in the Premier League.
Having reportedly impressed in training, putting extra work in behind the scenes, Arthur should be rewarded with minutes against Chelsea tomorrow.
He certainly cannot do any worse than what we’ve seen in midfield recently, and with change expected, this could be a great opportunity for him to earn his first start for the club.