LFC Updates: Injuries, Suspensions And Possible Lineup Vs Leicester.

LFC Updates: Injuries, Suspensions And Possible Lineup Vs Leicester Fc.

  

  Everything you need to know ahead of the Premier League clash at King Power Stadium on Saturday evening

For the second time inside a week, Liverpool will make the long, daunting trip to Leicester City with the intention of ending a four-game winless run that has enveloped the club in negativity.

The Merseysiders, heavily rotated given their crammed schedule, crashed out of the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night, suffering a 2-0 defeat at the King Power Stadium despite dominating proceedings.

  It has been the theme of their fixtures following the international break as the inability to kill off encounters with excellence in both boxes hampers Jurgen Klopp's men.

If Liverpool lose on Saturday evening, the Foxes will become the first team to beat the German thrice in the Premier League.

LIVERPOOL INJURIES

  Dejan Lovren [back] as well as Emre Can and Joel Matip [both knocks] are a doubt for the clash.

“It’s nothing major, but it was enough to keep him out of two games and he is not in training so far, so that means he is also a doubt for the weekend, which is not too cool," Klopp said of the Croatian defender.

“It’s the same with, but completely different [injuries], Joel Matip and Emre Can. They have little bits from the last game so we have to see if they can be back in training today or tomorrow, but it’s not sure at the moment.”

  Nathaniel Clyne is recovering well from a back problem and Adam Lallana's rehabilitation from a thigh injury has also been advanced.

Philippe Coutinho was withdrawn at half-time last time out as Liverpool attempt to get him back to his sharpest, but he has no niggles.

LIVERPOOL SUSPENSIONS

  Sadio Mane serves the final game of a three-match ban, which will come as a relief to Liverpool given their struggles when he is unavailable. The hosts have no suspension concerns.

LIVERPOOL POTENTIAL STARTING LINE-UP

  Having made seven changes in the 1-1 draw against Burnley, followed by eight in the cup clash on Tuesday, Klopp will again refresh the starting line-up given Liverpool's Champions League trip to Russia next week.

Simon Mignolet will return between the sticks, but Klopp's central defence will have to be decided late on given the doubts around Lovren and Matip.

"Ragnar [Klavan] will play the third game in the row if he plays again, Joe [Gomez] was in the centre-half position against Leicester already," the manager explained.

  

  "I have to wait and we have to train with the boys. They can train today and then we prepare the game. We will see on Saturday - there's two days to go - which players will be available. It's a normal challenge. It's not that it's worse or better than other situations.

"Players can get ill overnight and then you have to make another plan. That's why we prepare pretty much everything until we know who we can use."

With Gomez ruled out of the European tie through suspension, he could fill in at the heart of defence if needed or slot in at right-back, saving Trent Alexander-Arnold for the test at Spartak Moscow.

  Andy Robertson's deliveries were superb against Leicester last time out and he would fancy keeping his spot especially as Alberto Moreno is expected to be preferred on the continent.

However, it would be a third game in the week for the Scotland international, and Klopp could feel the Spaniard can cope with two matches in quick succession.

Klopp has more room for maneuvering in midfield. If Can gets the all-clear, he should start but it wouldn't be a surprise to see one of or even both of Gini Wijnaldum or Jordan Henderson, who were both in the XI on Tuesday, lining up from the off again.

  James Milner was rested in midweek, while Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain could do with another start to aid his rhythm.

Klopp must decide whether to give Coutinho more minutes from the start this weekend - Leicester would prefer if he didn't - or keep him in reserve with a view to the Champions League.

  Roberto Firmino, Mohamed Salah and Daniel Sturridge are anticipated to make the front three, but the Brazilian and Oxlade-Chamberlain are also options in attack.

LEICESTER TEAM NEWS

  Leicester's template of defending deep, blocking the central areas and using a direct approach in attack has worked to nullify Liverpool's strengths and magnify their weaknesses.

That blueprint will only further be enhanced by the return of Jamie Vardy. He missed out in midweek due to a tight groin, but Craig Shakespeare is "very confident he will be fit for Saturday.”

  On Matty James (Achilles) and Christian Fuchs (eye), the Foxes boss added: “I am reluctant to put a time frame on Matty. He is frustrated but it is important he listens to the physios.

“I don’t want to put him under pressure to play through pain. The likelihood is he might be okay for Saturday, but we don’t want to put him under pressure.

“Fuchs is being given more time and should be fine for Saturday.”

Robert Huth is being carefully managed as he recovers well from ankle surgery.

Source: Goal.com