Liverpool will be without the services of offensive stalwart Philippe Coutinho for the FA Cup fixture against Plymouth
The Reds begin their FA Cup journey of the 2016/17 season with a favourable home fixture against League One outfit Plymouth Argyle. While the hosts are expected to win the game easily, they will miss a number of players through injury.
For starters, Brazilian attacker Philippe Coutinho is yet to fully recover from an ankle injury and will not be fit enough to take on Plymouth. The 24-year-old has been a huge miss for Liverpool, and may return for their next Premier League match against Manchester United.
Speaking to the press ahead of the FA Cup clash, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp stated (via the club’s official website): “[Coutinho is] on a very good way but not for the weekend, and [Matip is the] same.”
Joel Matip will not be joining Cameroon for the African Cup of Nations and will give Klopp a solid option at the back once he recovers from injury. Matip is an adept reader of the ball and his technicality will certainly help the German manager who has seen his side concede a number of goals from set plays.
Striker Daniel Sturridge has made cameos in the absence of Coutinho and could be in line to feature despite his injury worries. Klopp said that the Englishman had not trained all week and could still be a part of the squad. However, he may not be risked and could be kept fresh for the EFL Cup semi-final against Southampton in mid week.
Makeshift left-back James Milner has been ever-present for Liverpool this season, but will sit out the game against Plymouth. The 31-year-old came off with a slight injury against Sunderland, and his absence could be paramount as the under-performing Alberto Moreno is likely to step in.
Defender Joe Gomez has missed a number of months due to an injury, but is understood to have recovered to feature in the FA Cup.
