Liverpool

Liverpool forward Darwin Nunez at risk of two-game ban which could see him miss crucial Man City clash

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5 months ago

February 21, 2024

Liverpool forward Darwin Nunez at risk of two-game ban which could see him miss crucial Man City clash

Darwin Nunez is walking a suspension tightrope with their a possibility the Liverpool forward could miss his side’s vital clash with Manchester City.

Nunez has amassed eight yellow cards already this season and two more would result in a two-match suspension for the in-form Uruguayan.

Liverpool already have plenty of selection issues of late, with Diogo Jota, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Alisson Becker all currently out of action through injury.

Despite being withdrawn at half-time of Liverpool’s recent 4-1 win over Brentford this weekend, Nunez’s fitness is being monitored by staff at Melwood on a ‘day-to-day basis’.

However, Liverpool fans should also be concerned given the 24-year-old’s disciplinary record this season has often caused them issues.

In 37 appearances in all competitions, Nunez has been shown a yellow card 10 times and was sent off against Crystal Palace back in August 2022.

With a hectic schedule to come for Klopp’s side, losing another option in attack would come as something of a hammer blow.

Liverpool forward Darwin Nunez at risk of two-game ban which could see him miss crucial Man City clash
Matthew Holt

Published 11:32, 21 February 2024 GMT
| Last updated 11:32, 21 February 2024 GMT

Liverpool forward Darwin Nunez at risk of two-game ban which could see him miss crucial Man City clash
Darwin Nunez is walking a suspension tightrope with their a possibility the Liverpool forward could miss his side’s vital clash with Manchester City.

Nunez has amassed eight yellow cards already this season and two more would result in a two-match suspension for the in-form Uruguayan.

Liverpool already have plenty of selection issues of late, with Diogo Jota, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Alisson Becker all currently out of action through injury.

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Despite being withdrawn at half-time of Liverpool’s recent 4-1 win over Brentford this weekend, Nunez’s fitness is being monitored by staff at Melwood on a ‘day-to-day basis’.

However, Liverpool fans should also be concerned given the 24-year-old’s disciplinary record this season has often caused them issues.

In 37 appearances in all competitions, Nunez has been shown a yellow card 10 times and was sent off against Crystal Palace back in August 2022.

With a hectic schedule to come for Klopp’s side, losing another option in attack would come as something of a hammer blow.

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Mohamed Salah recently returned from Africa Cup of Nations duty to find the net against the Bees, but it is Nunez who also continues to share a healthy burden of the weight in attack too.

“It is just crazy that he creates that many,” Klopp told reporters recently, following his side’s recent 4-1 win over Chelsea. “Imagine for a second he would take them all… the numbers would be absolutely insane to the extent where you wouldn’t understand it anymore, so it’s normal.

“For us it is important because we scored four goals, who cares if we could have scored a fifth or a sixth? It is really not important.

“We need to win football games – and he will score. He scored already.

“Then setting up in a really important moment the fourth goal, because 3-2 or 4-1 is a big difference, that makes him really the player he is for us. The rest will come, definitely.”

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Liverpool could unleash “unplayable” 18 y/o Nunez replacement
BY
ANGUS SINCLAIR
PUBLISHED 1 HOUR AGO
This academy talent may be in line for his professional debut on Wednesday evening.

Darwin Nunez for Liverpool.
What was that saying about rain? Liverpool are afflicted by, unfortunately, a torrential downpour of injury problems right now and supporters will be worried that Sunday’s Carabao Cup final against Chelsea might suffer because of it.

However, first the Anfield outfit must defeat Luton Town, and they must do so without a host of first-team stars.

Diogo Jota injured for Liverpool.
First-placed in the Premier League, Jurgen Klopp will be confident in his side’s ability to secure victory this evening but there is no question that current conditions could stifle an almighty bid for silverware across multiple fronts.

Liverpool injury news
Diogo Jota was forced off on a stretcher during Liverpool’s recent victory over Brentford, and Klopp has since confirmed that the Portugal international faces “months” on the sidelines.

Goalkeeper Alisson, midfielders Curtis Jones, Dominik Szoboszlai, Thiago Alcantara and influential right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold are all out of action.

The club’s German boss admitted that he might need to dip into the academy ranks once again this season, with questions over Mohamed Salah and Darwin Nunez’s immediate fitness compounding the issues ahead of the clash against Luton.

Liverpool could unleash unlikely Nunez replacement
Cody Gakpo scored and assisted off the bench against Brentford but the dynamic Dutchman is not the only player who Klopp could call upon, even if he is likely to start, having demonstrated a willingness to hand teenage talents a platform.

One star who was namechecked by Klopp ahead of the Hatters’ journey northward is 18-year-old forward Jayden Danns, who has been causing quite the stir at academy level.

Danns, born in Liverpool, has scored 16 goals from 16 appearances in all competitions this season and has been hailed as “unplayable” in the final third by U23 scout Antonio Mango, and now might be the perfect time to hand him that elusive professional debut.

Nunez, admittedly, is not the easiest forward to replace. Chastised for his profligacy by some, heralded as an “agent of chaos” by others – including journalist Theo Squires – the Uruguayan invariably makes his presence known in the final third and has a healthy return of 13 goals and 11 assists this season.

Darwin Nunez: Liverpool Career by Season

Season

Apps

Goals

Assists

G/A Rate

23/24

0.65

22/23

0.45

Source: Transfermarkt

Speaking of his own playing style, Danns has noted his electric pace and eagerness to drop deep and surge forward with the ball at his feet.

Perhaps in this way, he can indeed emulate Nunez, who ranks among the top 13% of forwards across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for progressive carries per 90, as per FBref.

Will Klopp take a risk on Danns, so young, so fresh from his formative years? The evidence would suggest that he has the quality to make an impression among the seniors and given the recent success with handing youngsters a chance to impress, why not?

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Angus Sinclair • Opinions & Feature Writer
(2020 Articles Published)
Angus is a freelance analytical writer for Football FanCast.

Having graduated from Southampton Solent University with a degree in Sport Journalism in 2022, Angus found a home at FFC after previously writing for Vavel and OurSoundMusic.

A passionate Liverpool supporter and a lover of statistics, Angus also holds a fondness for MMA and Tennis.

Outside of football, he is a voracious reader with a particular love for fantasy and historical fiction.

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Kevin De Bruyne suffers Man City injury setback with Manchester United and Liverpool FC on horizon
Kevin De Bruyne was an unused substitute for Manchester City in their Premier League win over Brentford at the Etihad Stadium.

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ByJoe BrayManchester City writer
22:21, 20 FEB 2024UPDATED22:33, 20 FEB 2024
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Manchester City’s Belgian midfielder #17 Kevin De Bruyne sits in the stands during the English Premier League football match between Manchester City and Brentford at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, north west England, on February 20, 2024. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)

Kevin De Bruyne did not play for Manchester City against Brentford due to a hamstring issue, Pep Guardiola has revealed.

De Bruyne was dropped to the bench for the visit of Brentford, but did not emerge before the game to warm up with the other substitutes. He did not take part in any warm-ups during the 90 minutes as he remained on the City bench throughout.

Guardiola has spoken about some players lacking rhythm, and also managing the fitness of those players returning from injury, with De Bruyne recently admitting he is still not back to full fitness following his four-month lay-off. Before the Brentford game, he had started four of the previous five matches and come off the bench in the three previous outings as he excelled on his return from injury.

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And Guardiola confirmed that he took no risks with De Bruyne after he picked up a hamstring problem.

“We did not use Kevin today because he has niggles in his hamstring position,” the manager confirmed. “He’s okay. It’s more caution and prevention than anything. He didn’t feel comfortable and the doctors said there was a little bit of risk. After five months off, we did not take any risk with that.”

City face Bournemouth on Saturday before an FA Cup trip to Luton next week. After that, they begin a run of fixtures against Manchester United, Copenhagen, Liverpool, Brighton, Arsenal and Aston Villa.

The Blues welcomed back John Stones and Bernardo Silva after their respective rests against Chelsea, with Jack Grealish and Josko Gvardiol still a week or two away from returning. Grealish has muscular issues, while Gvardiol has ankle ligament issues.

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Jurgen Klopp shares Mohamed Salah and Darwin Nunez injury latest as Liverpool await decision
The latest on Mohamed Salah and Darwin Nunez’s potential inclusions for Liverpool’s visit from Luton Town

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ByPaul GorstLiverpool FC correspondent
22:30, 20 FEB 2024
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Darwin Nunez interacts with teammate Mohamed Salah during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Aston Villa at Anfield on September 03, 2023 (Image: Matt McNulty/Getty Images)

Jurgen Klopp has allayed fears Mohamed Salah has suffered a “crazy” injury setback – but admits Liverpool are treading carefully with their top scorer.

And the Reds boss will make a late call over Salah’s involvement in Wednesday night’s visit from Luton Town with the manager indicating the forward is being judged day by day over a muscle issue.

Salah made his first appearance for the Reds since New Year’s Day when he was brought on for Diogo Jota shortly before half time of Saturday’s 4-1 win at Brentford.

Jota suffered a knee injury that will sideline him for the next two months after Christian Norgaard landed awkwardly on the Portugal forward and Salah was thrust unexpectedly into the action at the Gtech Stadium as a result, netting his 19th goal of the campaign in a convincing win in west London.

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Having not featured since suffering a muscle injury for Egypt in their 2-2 Africa Cup of Nations draw with Ghana on January 18, however, Salah’s cameo has resulted in some fatigue of the same area that has had to be carefully rehabbed by the club’s medical department over the last month.

As a result, he could yet sit out the match against the relegation-threatened Hatters at home to maximise his chances of featuring against Chelsea on Sunday afternoon in the Carabao Cup final.

“It is day by day as well with Mo,” Klopp confirmed. “It’s a similar area where he feels it (fatigue) a little bit. We have to see how it develops. It’s nothing crazy, but we have to see.”

Klopp has also hinted Darwin Nunez may be rested for the game at Anfield to give him the best opportunity of being ready for Sunday’s showpiece at Wembley.

On Nunez, who was brought off for Cody Gakpo at half-time on Saturday after a minor complaint, Klopp added: “The problem at Brentford was that we had changed already twice (through injuries to Jota and Curtis Jones) and if we let him play a little bit longer and say ‘OK how does it feel now?’

“That could have been it so we had to take the decision at half-time so we had another opportunity to change in the second half. He felt that in that game and there was nothing around. How we said we go day by day and today (Tuesday) we didn’t train. We will see.

“Look, the situation we have in the Premier League – where pretty much the competition we are in [means] each game is a final – there is no game where you can say lets have a look at how the others play at the weekend and if we lose it might be all right.

“We cannot see it like that, for us it is game by game who is available and then use them in the best possible way there is no other chance. If [Nunez] was fully fit there is no reason to keep him out and no chance for us. That is it as well.”

The injury-hit Premier League leaders head into Wednesday’s game without at least eight first-team stars as Klopp surveys his options for a squad that will be unable to call upon Alisson Becker, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joel Matip, Dominik Szoboszlai, Thiago Alcantara and Stefan Bajcetic alongside Jota, Jones and now potentially Salah and Nunez.

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‘Just wrong’ – Michael Owen makes Rasmus Højlund point in advice to Liverpool’s Darwin Núñez
Darwin Núñez and Rasmus Højlund both found the net for their respective sides at the weekend but Michael Owen believes the Uruguayan’s technique will limit his goal return.

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ByLiam PrendervilleContent EditorSamuel Meade
01:00, 21 FEB 2024
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Michael Owen has had his say on Darwin Núñez’s recent performances in front of goal (Image: (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images))
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Former Liverpool striker Michael Owen has suggested Manchester United striker Rasmus Højlund will become a more effective player than Darwin Núñez. The Uruguayan scored his 13th goal of the season in Saturday’s 4-1 win over Brentford before being forced off with an injury.

His tally could — and probably should — be higher though with Núñez having more shots than any other player in the Premier League this season. He has also hit the woodwork nine times, including on four separate occasions in the recent win over Chelsea.

Højlund meanwhile has been in electric form after a difficult start to life at United. He scored twice in the 2-1 win over Luton. His first goal saw him skilfully round the keeper, while his second came from a clever flick and it means the Danish striker has now scored in five consecutive games.

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And Owen, speaking on Premier League Productions, compared Hojlund’s technique favorably to that of Núñez, despite the Liverpool man receiving praise for his dinked effort against Brentford.

Owen said: “It’s very similar. A Højlund punt or clearance, just like the Liverpool goal. Exactly the same position now. Everything is the same, isn’t it? What does he (Højlund) do? In fact, it’s probably easier to chip the goalkeeper from here (in comparison to Núñez’s). He has got another four or five yards to get the ball up and down, so it’s the easier finish but still not the right finish.

“Much more efficiently, he goes around the goalkeeper, that’s what I am saying. That finish, whether you like slotting, dinking or going around like that. In the long term, you are going to score far more goals doing the right percentage finish each time and that’s what Højlund has just done.

“There are no rights or wrongs in finishing in many ways. Apart from the Núñez one, it’s just wrong in many ways. You just can’t do that and score big numbers. It’s just incredible.”

Despite Owen’s remarks, Núñez continues to be trusted by his coach, with Jürgen Klopp opting him for the striker as first-choice. The German boss recently remarked: “I am really happy with what I see in the moment and the rest will come, we are completely calm.”

Liverpool.com says: Like Owen says, there is no right or wrong way to finish so the dig at Núñez seems a bit odd. He will always be at his best when doing things off the cuff, and that is exactly what his goal against Brentford was about. It was an excellent finish and set Liverpool on the way to a big win. Yes, he does need to be a bit calmer in front of goal but that will surely come in time.

* An AI tool was used to add an extra layer to the editing process for this story. You can read the original story in the Daily Mirror by clicking here.

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FOOTBALLPredicted Liverpool starting line-up v Lutonby stevenmangan20 February 2024

Liverpool will look to maintain their winning run in the Premier League when they take on Luton Town at Anfield on Wednesday night (21 February).

The Reds are top of the Premier League table with a two-point lead over Arsenal. They will look to put pressure on Arsenal by taking a five-point lead by the time the Gunners face Newcastle next in the league.

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The big concern for Liverpool, however, remains their injury problems. In the 4-1 win against Brentford, Liverpool duo – Curtis Jones and Diogo Jota – got injured while Darwin Nunez was taken off as a precautionary measure.

Klopp has confirmed in his pre-match press conference that Jota is going to be out for a month (or even more) while no timeline has been put over Jones’s return as well.

Trent Alexander-Arnold, Alisson Becker and Dominik Szoboszlai are also currently out injured and they are not expected to feature against Luton. While Trent and Szoboszlai are on their way back, they have not joined the training yet.

Klopp could use Joe Gomez, but he is likely to start with Conor Bradley for this game once again. Ibrahima Konate could be given rest, with Jarell Quansah good enough to partner Virgil van Dijk.

Caoimhin Kelleher has proved to be an able deputy for Allison, and he is likely to get another chance to impress his manager. In any case, Kelleher is going to play in the Carabao Cup final against Chelsea, and he would relish the chances he’s getting.

In midfield, losing Jones is a huge blow. With Szoboszlai out as well, Klopp is likely to start with Ryan Gravenberch for this game. The 21-year-old has been impressive whenever he has taken the pitch, and he is a natural replacement for Jones.

Harvey Elliot could start on the left-hand side, as Klopp could be tempted to give Mohamed Salah more rest before the next big game against Chelsea.

While it appears that Darwin Nunez is fit enough, this could be a good opportunity to start with Cody Gakpo who scored in the previous game.

Predicted Liverpool starting line-up: Kelleher; Bradley, Quansah, Van Dijk, Robertson; Endo, Mac Allister, Gravenberch; Elliott, Gakpo, Diaz.

In other news, Liverpool are showing keen interest in signing 23-year-old Premier League defender.

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‘I DIDN’T SEE…’ CHRIS SUTTON SHOCKED BY WHAT HE’S HEARING ABOUT LIVERPOOL AND MANCHESTER CITY
Amir Mir
Amir Mir
Tue 20 February 2024 18:30, UK
Over the years, it has usually been Liverpool and Manchester City contesting for the Premier League title race, but now they are in a three-way battle.

Those crunch moments of the season are about to arrive, but it seems as though it will be a monumental battle for who could become champions of England in May.

But what left Chris Sutton surprised is what he was hearing from Liverpool and Manchester City fans about their respective teams, as he told BBC Radio 5 Live Sport.

The former striker says they feel ’they don’t get enough respect’ and how that’s something he simply didn’t see coming.

Both clubs under their legendary coaches – Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola – have won the lot and have been involved in some of the great battles.

Perhaps some rival fans might not appreciate the work they have done, but that’s their own problem if anything because their team isn’t doing well.

Yes, certain charges against Man City might not help matters, but at the end of the day, you are innocent until proven guilty.

Liverpool and Manchester City respect
“I didn’t see it turning like it did turn out,” said Sutton. “But Manchester City and Liverpool fans saying they don’t get enough respect, I didn’t see that coming. I disagree with both of them.”

Manchester City v Liverpool FC – Premier League
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
Pep Guardiola v Jurgen Klopp
This is going to be one last dance as the German will head for the Anfield exit door in the summer. That announcement last month left many surprised.

Going back to their days in Germany and now in England, this has been a decade-long battle between two great coaches of the modern era.

Whilst Klopp is stepping away from the game, he didn’t mention the word ‘retirement’, just that he no longer has the energy to continue.

So it will be interesting to see if he does return one day, and perhaps, the footballing fate will land him on the opposite to Guardiola once again, this time in another footballing-crazy country.

MORE: ‘One of the great finds…’ Michael Owen backs £27m Arsenal star to hit legendary levels

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Liverpool have now done something that has never been seen before in the club’s history

Liverpool have now done something unique that has never been seen before throughout the club’s entire history.

There was already a landmark moment on Saturday when the Reds finally won a league game on Brentford soil – something that had not been done since 1938.

Interestingly – when Jurgen Klopp named the Liverpool XI for Saturday’s win over the Bees – another piece of history was made…

Liverpool make club history
Well, the German actually selected eleven different nationalities when choosing his starting lineup for Saturday’s 4-1 win over Brentford.

According to the club’s official X account, that has never been done by Liverpool before in a league match.

Now, that is a truly special achievement.

Klopp has not just created a winning machine, but the 56-year-old has also managed to gel a bunch of different nationalities together to forge a solid unit.

Given the cohesive manner in which Liverpool play, you would be forgiven for assuming that all eleven players are from the same street, let alone the same country.

This accomplishment is also emblematic of the multicultural fanbase – Liverpool have supporters all across the globe, so it must feel wonderful for eleven different nations to all have a representative starting for the Reds.

Of course, Liverpool won’t receive a trophy for doing this, and some may scoff at how much attention is being put on the situation.

Nevertheless, we believe Liverpool should take pride in this unprecedented lineup.

Building a cohesive side out on the pitch is one thing, but Liverpool have a huge task in terms of marketing behind the scenes, given their status as one of the biggest clubs on the planet.

It is surely difficult for the marketing team to reach all corners of the Earth, but Klopp has made their life easy by bringing so many different nationalities to Anfield, while also maintaining strong results.

It is great to see such a unique blend within Liverpool’s squad, and long may it continue.

‘I don’t like him’… Tim Sherwood says he’s really not a fan of £16m Liverpool player

Wataru Endo arrived at Liverpool this summer as a relative unknown.

Indeed, the £16m midfielder was something of a shock signing at Anfield from Stuttgart this summer after the Reds missed out on both Romeo Lavia and Moises Caicedo.

While many had their doubts about Endo when he arrived, it didn’t take him long to win everyone over with his solid performances for the club. Well, almost everyone was won over.

Indeed, speaking on Premier League Productions, Tim Sherwood has claimed that he’s still not a fan of Endo, claiming that he actually really didn’t like the composition of Liverpool’s midfield away at Brentford this weekend.

The pundit shared his verdict on the Reds’ summer signing.

“Look at the back to front. They’re so quick, but I didn’t like their midfield, I really didn’t I didn’t like Mac Allister in that position, I don’t like Endo. Their range of passing, hit it quickly because it never gives the defenders any respite,” Sherwood said.

Are we missing something?
Everyone is entitled to their opinions on any player, but we can’t help but wonder what Sherwood has seen that we haven’t.

Endo really hasn’t put a foot wrong since joining the Reds, and over the weekend the Liverpool midfield were absolutely fine as they dominated Brentford away from home.

Endo has been fantastic almost every single time he’s played for the Reds, and he might actually be one of the better signings of the season.

Sherwood has seen something that he clearly doesn’t like, and it’s fair enough for him to have that point of view, but we wouldn’t mind a bit more technical analysis on what he doesn’t like about Endo rather than just saying his range of passing is limited.

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Jurgen Klopp gives injury update – 5 players out vs. Luton, Jota for “months”
February 20, 2024
Jack Lusby
Jurgen Klopp has provided a vague update on injuries to five Liverpool players, with Diogo Jota facing “months” out after suffering a major knee injury.

Heading into a huge week, with the visit of Luton in the Premier League coming days before the Carabao Cup final against Chelsea, the Reds are missing a host of players.

Jota (knee) and Curtis Jones (ankle) both joined the injury list during Saturday’s 4-1 win over Brentford, with Alisson (hamstring) ruled out in the buildup.

Those three players will sit out of both games this week, along with Trent Alexander-Arnold (knee), while Dominik Szoboszlai (hamstring) remains sidelined at least against Luton.

In his pre-Luton press conference, Klopp was asked about injuries in his squad, with Alisson out for the “foreseeable.”

For Jota “it will obviously take months,” while the manager declined to give a timeframe for Jones.

“I would like to sit here and say we have absolutely no issues but obviously we have some,” Klopp explained.

“So, not available is obviously Ali, that’s a muscle injury where we don’t know exactly how long it takes but definitely not for foreseeable time coming back.

“Then we have Diogo with a knee issue, is ruled out. Curtis, with a bone ligament issue, ruled out.”

Darwin Nunez was brought off at half-time in the victory at Brentford, while there have been rumours over a setback for Mo Salah – but Klopp was not directly asked about either.

“The others, we will deal with day by day,” Klopp explained.

“For tomorrow, you see the lineup early enough and you can see who made it and didn’t make it.”

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – Wednesday, September 27, 2023: Liverpool’s Dominik Szoboszlai during the Football League Cup 3rd Round match between Liverpool FC and Leicester City FC at Anfield. Liverpool won 3-1. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
The manager added: “That’s it pretty much.

“The longer-term [injuries], like Trent and Dom, are on the way back, but not in team training yet, and so that means they are not available as well.

“That’s the situation, let me say it like that.”

Thiago (hamstring), Joel Matip (ACL), Stefan Bajcetic (calf) and Ben Doak (MCL) are also ruled out with long-term issues.

Alisson, Curtis Jones, Diogo Jota, Dominik Szoboszlai, Injuries, Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool vs Luton, Luton, Trent Alexander-Arnold
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LIVERPOOL FC NEWS
Liverpool starting lineup to face Luton Town – predicted

43 MINS AGO
ANDY HEADSPEATH
Liverpool have the Carabao Cup final in sight, but before that comes the test of Luton Town at home on Wednesday night.

Considering the ever-mounting injury crisis, Jurgen Klopp could’ve done with a week off to prepare for Sunday’s trip to Wembley and a chance at the first silverware of the season. However, the fixture pile-up means that isn’t an option.

While a home clash against one of the Premier League’s bottom three is, on paper at least, one of the nicer matches Liverpool might’ve been handed, Luton won’t roll over and make it easy for the Reds as they attempt to maintain the gap over Manchester City and avoid any more fitness issues.

The Hatters may have only won one of their last five in the league, but they have been much improved of late and Rob Edwards’ side have gone toe to toe with Newcastle and Manchester United, while smashing four past Brighton in one of the shock results of recent weeks.

Who Klopp wants to pick and is able to pick for this one are probably two very different things, with rotation a necessity rather than a luxury at the moment.

With multiple factors to consider, here’s how the Reds might line up at Anfield on Wednesday evening.

GOALKEEPER & DEFENCE

With Caoimhin Kelleher set to start the Carabao Cup final regardless, the Irishman is now set for another run in the team, with Alisson just the latest Liverpool star to be struck down by a hamstring injury.

Kelleher performed well in the Reds’ last two wins over Brentford and Burnley, but has kept just one clean sheet in four Premier League outings in 2023/24.

With Trent Alexander-Arnold out for the next couple of games at least, Conor Bradley should continue at right back.

However, the impressive youngster, who started his career as a winger, could also be an outside-the-box solution further forward given the injury crisis and his creative talents, while Joe Gomez is another option for right back.

Virgil van Dijk will likely remain in the team for midweek, though Ibrahima Konate, whose fitness record remains the stuff of concern, could be rested ahead of Sunday’s final. If so, expect Jarell Quansah to step in.

Andy Robertson should continue at left back, though Gomez and Kostas Tsimikas remain options for rotation if needed.

MIDFIELD

At the start of the month, it looked like Liverpool suddenly had choices again in the centre of the park, with Thiago’s long-awaited comeback complemented by Wataru Endo’s return from the Asian Cup.

However, Thiago has since been struck down with a new injury, while Curtis Jones and Dominik Szoboszlai have joined the 32-year-old in the treatment room.

Endo will likely continue at the base of midfield against Luton, with his industry and defensive nous required against the Hatters’ in-form and industrious paring of Ross Barkley and Albert Sambi Lokonga.

Alexis Mac Allister may then continue in a more advanced role, while Ryan Gravenberch should deputise for Jones.

Youngsters Bobby Clark and James McConnell too are options, but neither are likely to start.

ATTACK

Three of Liverpool’s regular five attackers are doubts ahead of this one, while there could be major rotation to protect players from further risk ahead of the final.

Mohamed Salah made his comeback with a goal and an assist against Brentford, but was only introduced in the first half after an injury to Diogo Jota.

There have been reports that the Egyptian is still recovering from his own hamstring issue and could be left out of the lineup here, with key games in the near future to consider.

If so, Harvey Elliott could be the man to take up the right flank, though Bradley is also an option.

Cody Gakpo should start ahead of Darwin Nuñez who was also subbed on Saturday with a possible issue.

Luis Diaz — the man who salvaged a point for Liverpool away at Kenilworth Road earlier this season — will almost certainly start on the left.

Young talents Kaide Gordon and Lewis Koumas could be part of the matchday squad, amid the availability issues.

PREDICTED LIVERPOOL STARTING XI VS LUTON TOWN
(4-3-3): Kelleher, Bradley, Quansah, Van Dijk, Robertson, Mac Allister, Endo, Gravenberch, Elliott, Gakpo, Diaz

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Luis Diaz quit football today open for full story 👇

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“I have sad news” – Major Liverpool ace has added to Klopp’s woes ahead of Carabao Cup final
CHELSEA FC LIVERPOOL FC
Posted by Jason Pettigrove2 hours ago

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The last thing that Jurgen Klopp would’ve wanted ahead of this weekend’s Carabao Cup final is more injuries to key Liverpool players.

However, despite a 4-1 win at Brentford last time out, that’s exactly what happened.

Klopp was already without Trent Alexander-Arnold for the showpiece, and with Diogo Jota having to be carried off the GTech Community Stadium turf on a stretcher, there was little doubt he was going to miss the final too.

Curtis Jones and Darwin Nunez were also substituted, but it was an injury to Mo Salah, just back after picking up a problem in the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) that might be of most concern to the German.

“I have sad news, I learned that Salah suffered an injury at the end of the meeting between Liverpool and Brentford and renewed injury suffered during the camp of the Egyptian national team,” Ahmed Shoubir, speaking to Egyptian TV station OnTimeSports (h/t Liverpool ECHO) said.

“Salah unfortunately will not be able to play the next Liverpool Premier League match against Luton Town. This is my information and I hope that the news is not true, but it is largely true.”

Though Shoubir doesn’t mention Sunday’s final against Chelsea, if Salah is unable to play against Luton on Wednesday, it would surely be a huge risk for Klopp to consider the Egyptian King for the game against the Blues.

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This “confident” Liverpool teen could be Jota’s surprise replacement
BY
ANGUS SINCLAIR
PUBLISHED 1 HOUR AGO
Klopp’s title-chasing team have been hit by a catalogue of recent injuries.

Diogo Jota injured for Liverpool.
There is a ripple of trepidation surging throughout Merseyside right now, with all associated with Liverpool waiting for clarification on the roll of injuries that threaten to hinder a thrilling campaign.

Curtis Jones and Diogo Jota are the latest victims, both withdrawn against Brentford on Saturday and both leaving the Gtech Community Stadium braced in protective gear – Jota with a suspected knee injury.

jurgen-klopp-liverpool-premier-league
Jurgen Klopp’s side marched on, however, and secured three points to preserve their slender lead at the Premier League summit, two points ahead of Arsenal and five above Manchester City, who have a game in hand.

Alisson, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Dominik Szoboszlai are also recuperating from injuries, while Joel Matip, Thiago Alcantara and Stefan Bajcetic are longer-term absentees.

Liverpool still boast a high-quality crop of players but, as Klopp conceded, this is “not cool”. Liverpool play across three competitions over the next nine days, hosting Luton Town in the Premier League on Wednesday before heading southward to Wembley to face Chelsea in the Carabao Cup final ahead of an FA Cup clash with Southampton next week.

Klopp needs all the players he can find, and while the setbacks are each damaging in their own way, the blow to Jota might be the biggest detriment to the forthcoming torrent of fixtures.

Diogo Jota’s season in numbers
Mohamed Salah might have taken the limelight for much of the campaign, scoring and assisting at a frightening rate, but Jota has been sublime this term and has posted 14 goals and four assists across just 18 starting appearances.

Since missing most of December with a muscular problem, the Portugal international has clinched six goals and four assists, leading Reds correspondent Neil Jones to hail his “clinical” efforts.

Only days ago, the 27-year-old ace displayed his creative side by dinking a deft header into Darwin Nunez’s path, allowing the brazen Uruguayan to chip Mark Flekken for the opener.

Unfortunately, Jota would be carried off the pitch on a stretcher less than ten minutes later, facing the possibility of a long-term injury.

His absence, to put it plainly, will be a big blow. As per Sofascore, Jota has scored nine goals and supplied three assists from just 13 Premier League starts, averaging 1.1 key passes per match and thriving wherever played – right, left, central, he is a menace and offers unfavoured laterality in his striking, dangerous from every angle.

luis-diaz-diogo-jota-liverpool-opinion
To emphasise his prowess, perhaps his FBref metrics would help paint the full picture of his value to Liverpool – the £140k-per-week forward ranks among the top 4% of positional peers for goals scored, the top 11% for assists, the top 7% for progressive carries, the top 10% for passes attempted and the top 2% for tackles made per 90 across the Men’s Big Five Leagues and European competitions over the last 365 days.

Salah’s return is a massive boost to Liverpool’s chances over the coming period, but the Egyptian machine would always be the first name on the team sheet from an attacking viewpoint, and it could be Cody Gakpo who will now need to step up with increased responsibility.

Cody Gakpo the likely replacement
Liverpool signed Gakpo from PSV Eindhoven in a £35m transfer just over one year ago, the Dutchman arriving off the back of a striking string of performances at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Mohamed Salah celebrates for Liverpool.
RELATED
Liverpool’s “special” star must step up beside Salah after Jota blow
So far, the 24-year-old has clinched 17 goals and eight assists from 60 outings for the Anfield side, grabbing his tenth of the season off the bench against the Bees last weekend.

Once lauded for his “absolutely phenomenal” development on the pitch by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Gakpo matches Jota for versatility and offers a dynamic approach to his attacking play while boasting a fearsome shot to boot, so he’s the obvious pick to fill his peer’s shoes.

Cody Gakpo: Similar Players

Player

Club

Kingsley Coman

Bayern Munich

Vinicius Junior

Real Madrid

Dominik Szoboszlai

Liverpool

Ousmane Dembele

Paris Saint-Germain

Marcus Rashford

Manchester United

Source: Football Transfers

Showcasing this, Gakpo ranks among the top 17% of forwards for assists, the top 18% for passes attempted, the top 5% for progressive passes, the top 16% for progressive carries, and the top 2% for tackles in the Men’s Big Five Leagues and European competitions over the last 365 days.

While the 6 foot 1 star will be expected to maintain a positive level of performance over the crucial business end of the campaign, he’s not the only player who might be called upon to take Jota’s place, with teenager Bobby Clark and-unlikely, but potentially apt, stopgap.

Why Bobby Clark could replace Jota
Klopp has not exactly shown an aversion to entrusting younger players with first-team roles throughout his Liverpool tenure, with Alexander-Arnold, Jones and Harvey Elliott regular and influential members of the

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Liverpool forward Darwin Nunez at risk of two-game ban which could see him miss crucial Man City clash

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Liverpool forward Darwin Nunez at risk of two-game ban which could see him miss crucial Man City clash

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