Liverpool, under the leadership of Jürgen Klopp, faces a tricky dilemma as they prepare to take on Crystal Palace at Anfield. The Reds could potentially be without six key players for this crucial match. This article delves into the details of Liverpool's current predicament and how it might impact their performance.
Portugal forward Diogo Jota made his return to action midweek after an injury layoff. However, his comeback game was far from ideal for easing him back into the rhythm of competitive football. As Liverpool prepares to face Crystal Palace at Anfield today, fans and management alike will be hoping for a significantly improved performance from him.
Trent Alexander-Arnold and Stefan Bajčetić were both named on the bench during Thursday's game but did not get any playtime. Klopp stated that their inclusion was due to larger substitute allowances in Champions League games compared to domestic ones.
Alisson Becker nearing return but Kelleher likely to start
Whether either player will feature in the Liverpool squad against Oliver Glasner's side remains uncertain. Bajčetić recently played half an hour for Liverpool's U21s against Manchester United and appeared sharp; however, given his lengthy absence this season due to injury, no risks are expected with his deployment.
Alisson Becker is reportedly close to making a comeback but when exactly he will return is still unclear. In light of this uncertainty, Caoimhín Kelleher may have another opportunity between the sticks as Becker continues his recovery process.
Klopp may provide further updates regarding Becker’s recovery status during his post-match press conference.
Thiago Alcântara, Joël Matip & Ben Doak may have played last game
Thiago Alcântara and Joël Matip, both out of contract at the end of the season, are unlikely to return before the campaign concludes. They have been sidelined for months due to long-term injuries.
Ben Doak is another player who won't be featuring anytime soon. He underwent knee surgery in 2024 and there's no specific timeline for his return. However, with Mohamed Salah back in action and Liverpool having other forward options, Doak's absence may not significantly impact their run-in.
Liverpool faces a challenging situation with multiple key players potentially missing in the Crystal Palace fixture. How Klopp manages this predicament could have significant implications on their performance in this crucial match. Regardless of these challenges, fans will be hoping that Liverpool can pull off a strong performance and secure a victory.
