General football news
Liverpool team news: Key man returns but attacker ruled out of Tottenham clash
Here is the latest team news ahead of Liverpool’s Premier League clash with Tottenham including news on a defender and attacker.
Liverpool will look to cement their position at the top of the Premier League table with a win over Tottenham at Anfield on Sunday afternoon.
Ahead of the game, boss Jurgen Klopp has been speaking to the media at his pre match press conference this afternoon and he’s provided a team news and injury update including the latest on Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joel Matip, Xherdan Shaqiri and Andy Robertson.
Alexander-Arnold missed the Champions League victory over Genk in midweek due to illness but Klopp says the right-back is set to return for this weekend’s huge clash with Tottenham.
Matip also failed to make Tuesday night’s trip to Belgium after picking up a knee injury during the 1-1 draw with Manchester United last weekend and Klopp has confirmed the centre-back remains a doubt to face Spurs.
Liverpool are certain to be without Xherdan Shaqiri on Sunday as the Swiss international is still recovering from a calf injury that’s hampered him for the past few weeks.
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Liverpool fans were concerned when Andy Robertson was substituted midway through the second half against Genk but Klopp has eased those fears after confirming the full-backs withdrawal was just in order to give him a rest.
Klopp told Liverpoolfc.com:
“Yeah, we just rested Robbo. We thought that’s enough for today [against Genk on Wednesday], 60 minutes. He could do it and did it. He is fine.
“Trent is fine. Or looked fine, if there is no setback. He was ill – ill enough to not travel with us, which is not a good sign, but yesterday he had a clearing session and if it is as it was yesterday then he should be fine.
“With Joel, we have to see. I didn’t see him yet. I don’t know 100 per cent. I saw Shaq this morning and spoke to him. It will take a little bit of time still. Big muscles, unfortunately, it needs a little bit longer to heal.
“All the other long-term [injuries] are not available.”
The only other absentee is Nathaniel Clyne as the right-back remains on the sidelines with a serious knee injury so Klopp has a strong squad available as Liverpool look to maintain their unbeaten start to the league season.
The Merseysiders head into the weekend action sitting six points clear at the top of the table so Klopp will be desperate to at least consolidate their lead over Man City with a win against Tottenham at Anfield.
