Jurgen Klopp has hinted that Sadio Mane might not feature on Saturday as Liverpool brace themselves for a visit to Dean Court to face Bournemouth.
Liverpool have a lot on their plate right now. Their performances have taken a dip and while they have managed to cut it in the Premier League, their defeats in the Champions League has derailed them to a certain extent. The game against Bournemouth is even more daunting, with a host of stars injured or unfit to start on Saturday.
Alisson Becker and Virgil van Dijk are locked down for the starting eleven on Saturday. But, Joe Gomez has joined Dejan Lovren on the sidelines, with the English defender suffering a fracture in the left leg that is sure to keep him out for over a month. In his absence, Joel Matip should retain his place alongside van Dijk, with Trent Alexander-Arnold being deployed on the right.
The left side is also up for debate. Andrew Robertson was doubtful, which could have paved the way for a rare start for Alberto Moreno. But, Jurgen Klopp has affirmed in his pre-match conference that the Scot is fine and available for Saturday.
“Robbo played pretty much most of the games, in a very intense position. That’s why we decided to give him eight hours off. He is fine. He trained in the morning and went home. He couldn’t watch the game [on TV]; he was sitting in front of the radio or whatever and came back. He is fine.”
In midfield, James Milner could record his 500th appearance in the Premier League. But, that is likely to come from the bench, if at all, on Saturday. We should see a midfield pivot pairing of Fabinho and Naby Keita. The two players have impressed in shades and will be expected to be integral to Liverpool’s buildup play on Saturday.
Adam Lallana should be afforded a start while Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino return to the starting eleven after being rested during the midweek. Sadio Mane though, will not feature against Bournemouth, with Jurgen Klopp highlighting the fact that the attacker is unfit and still needs some rehabilitation.
“Sadio is now out [at Melwood] and tries to run [for the] first time. That doesn’t sound like he will be ready for tomorrow.”
Xherdan Shaqiri should start in Mane’s absence. The Swiss winger has been proficient for Liverpool so far this season and Jurgen Klopp will hope he delivers again.
