Liverpool’s matchup against Union SG in the Europa League group stage on Thursday at Anfield will be missing attacker Cody Gakpo.
Gakpo suffered a knee injury while scoring in the Reds’ contentious 2-1 Premier League loss at Tottenham Hotspur last Saturday. The Dutchman is reportedly facing several weeks of recovery time.
Thiago Alcantara and Stefan Bajcetic, a midfield combo for Liverpool, will also be out as they continue to heal from hip and calf issues, respectively. However, Curtis Jones and Diogo Jota, who were both dismissed against Spurs, are eligible for selection in Europe.
On Thursday, Jurgen Klopp is anticipated to make a few positional substitutions and may opt to use the same starting team that defeated LASK Linz 3-1 in their Group E debut.
Alisson Becker, the team’s first-choice goalkeeper, will be replaced by Caoimhin Kelleher.
Trent Alexander-Arnold has recovered from a hamstring injury but may have a midweek break. Meanwhile, the defensive foursome of Joe Gomez, Ibrahima Konate, Jarell Quansah, and Kostas Tsimikas will be vying for a spot in the starting lineup.
In the center of midfield, summer signings Ryan Gravenberch and Wataru Endo might be called upon, and another newcomer Alexis Mac Allister, who is presently on loan from Boca Juniors to Union SG, could face off against his brother Kevin.
Darwin Nunez will likely start up front in Gakpo’s absence, and Klopp will debate whether to start star forward Mohamed Salah or rest him.or rest the Egyptian; Jota, Luis Diaz, and Ben Doak are all possible candidates to participate in the attack.
Starting eleven for Liverpool might include Kelleher, Gomez, Konate, Van Dijk, Tsimikas, Elliott, Endo, and Gravenberch, along with Salah, Nunez, and Jota.
