Liverpool Squad News: Who is Available for Reds vs. Bournemouth?
Liverpool take on Bournemouth in their second game of the Premier League season, and Jurgen Klopp has decisions to make. So, who is available for the Reds?
It has been an eventful week since Liverpool drew with Chelsea on Sunday. Plenty has happened off the pitch and the Reds finally have that elusive holding midfielder in the squad, albeit not their first choice. In playing terms, though, little has changed and Klopp is likely to pick the same starting XI that played at Stamford Bridge.
Here is who will and could miss out for Liverpool vs. Bournemouth:
Injury News
There has only been one real new piece of injury news this week, as This Is Anfield reported Curtis Jones has a swollen ankle so is a doubt for the match vs. Bournemouth. Meanwhile, fellow midfielders Stefan Bajcetic and Thiago have continued their recovery.
Klopp explained: “I’m told that Stefan Bajcetic is really close but not there yet, we really count on him. Thiago is in [training], but not there yet. So we need to give them time. We cannot rush that. It will look completely different after the international break but until then we have super important games.”
Wataru Endo has no fitness issues and trained on Friday afternoon, but may be ineligible to face Bournemouth due to his wait for a work permit. Should permission arrive anytime before the squad is announced, he can play and will likely be on the bench.
Conor Bradley remains out injured. He hasn’t been involved since the start of pre-season.
Liverpool’s Available Squad vs. Bournemouth
Goalkeepers: Alisson, Kelleher, Adrian, Jaros, Pitaluga
Defenders: Van Dijk, Konate, Matip, Gomez, Quansah, Alexander-Arnold, Robertson, Tsimikas
Midfielders: Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Elliott, Clark, McConnell, Jones*, Endo*
Forwards: Salah, Gakpo, Diaz, Jota, Nunez, Doak
* Doubtful
Conclusion
With Curtis Jones a doubt for the match against Bournemouth due to a swollen ankle and Stefan Bajcetic and Thiago still recovering from their respective injuries, Klopp will have to make some decisions when it comes to his starting lineup. Wataru Endo is fit and available but may be ineligible due to his wait for a work permit.
The Reds have plenty of options in goal and defense, but midfield could be an issue if Jones is unable to play. It will be interesting to see how Klopp sets his team up for this match and if he opts to make any changes from the team that faced Chelsea.