Liverpool return to Premier League action in a week’s time against Wolverhampton Wanderers
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.Liverpool will return to Premier League action in seven days time when they travel to face Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The encounter sees the Reds restart the domestic campaign after top-flight and second-division football in England was put on hold for the international break.
For their return to the league campaign, Jurgen Klopp will be once again without Virgil van Dijk.
The Dutchman, who featured in Holland’s commanding win over Greece, was charged with improper conduct following his dismissal during the win over Newcastle United.
Van Dijk was originally set to miss one match, where he sat out of the comfortable win over Aston Villa, but the verdict has since banned him for a further match and fined £100,000.
Joel Matip and Joe Gomez deputised in the backline in the Liverpool captain’s absence, both having solid performances to keep Villa’s attacking threat at bay.
Trent Alexander-Arnold is also doubtful after scans revealed minor hamstring damage after being forced off on the eve of the international break
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There will be a nervy wait over his fitness going into their trip to Molineux with Ibrahima Konate also missing the international break with France – through the muscle injury that has kept him out of their last two.
It poses a potential defensive problem for the Liverpool boss as he could be without three of his four defenders, who started in their opening two against Chelsea and AFC Bournemouth, for their clash against Wolves.
Jarell Quansah has made two substitute appearances for the Reds and could be in line for his first senior start against Gary O’Neil’s side, despite Gomez turning out one of his best defensive displays in recent memory against Unai Emery’s side.
Injuries to Alexander-Arnold and Conor Bradley have left the right-back options exhausted with Calvin Ramsay also suffering a setback during his loan with Preston North End.
There is an alternative which could see a second start for Wataru Endo, after returning to the bench last weekend.
The Japanese skipper has played as a central defender previously and could be utilised in the heart of the defence alongside Matip.
Ryan Gravenberch rejected the opportunity to join up with his Holland U21 teammates, this month, to focus on club football after his move from Bayern Munich on deadline day.
He too could provide midfield options but it remains to be seen whether he can usurp fellow new arrivals, Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai.
Both Mac Allister and Szoboszlai have enjoyed a positive start to life in the Premier League, staking an early claim for a starting berth in Klopp’s side.
Curtis Jones returned to the fold following injury and turned out an impressive display last time out.
Up front, Mohamed Salah brushed off Saudi Arabia rumours to net in their win over Aston Villa last Sunday and with the deadline for their window closing on Thursday, the Egyptian’s focus will now firmly be on the Reds.
With his performances and the form of Luis Diaz, the only question mark in the frontline is who deputises in the middle.
Cody Gakpo has struggled to find form in the opening four Premier League matches but will be buoyed by a goal in their win over Greece in Eindhoven.
Diogo Jota is also rivalling for a place in the starting 11 and was forced to come off the bench against Villa after Darwin Nunez started after his match-winning double at St James’ Park.
It’s likely that Liverpool will dominate possession against Wolves with O’Neil’s side sitting deep with the view to counter the Reds.
Those types of opponents can frustrate Nunez, as a result, Gakpo’s experience as a deep-lying forward in the middle of the front three – boosted by his goal – could be a viable option to lead the line.
Realistic Liverpool starting XI to face Wolves: Alisson; Gomez, Matip, Quansah, Robertson; Jones, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai; Salah, Gakpo, Diaz.
