Liverpool have been hit by injuries to two key players, with their title credentials sure to be tested in the coming weeks.
Liverpool youngster Trent Alexander-Arnold suffered a knee injury during Saturday’s 1-0 win over Brighton, having originally suffered a knock pre-match.
The right-back does not require surgery, but injury to the ligaments means he will miss up to four weeks of action for the Reds.
Games Alexander-Arnold could miss
‣ Crystal Palace (H) – 19 Jan
‣ Leicester (H) – 30 Jan
‣ West Ham (A) – 4 Feb
‣ Bournemouth (H) – 9 Feb
‣ Bayern Munich (H) – 19 Feb
Meanwhile, Gini Wijnaldum is another fitness concern for Liverpool heading in to this weekend’s fixture.
The Dutch midfielder, who has been in fine form this season, also suffered a knock to his knee during the win at Brighton.
The 28-year-old is a major doubt for Crystal Palace’s visit of Anfield on Saturday, however the severity of his injury is currently unclear.
Jurgen Klopp will deliver an update on both players during his pre-match press conference later this week.
Alexander-Arnold joins fellow defenders Joe Gomez and Dejan Lovren on the sidelines, whilst Joel Matip has just returned from a broken collarbone.
The Reds are short of options at right-back, with Nathaniel Clyne having been loaned out to Bournemouth earlier in the transfer window.
It remains to be seen how Liverpool line up in defence in the absence of Alexander-Arnold, with one option being Fabinho filling in at right-back.
The Brazilian has had to play in the centre of defence in the Reds’ last two games, owing to injuries to their senior centre-backs.
With Matip back in action however, the Cameroonian could slot in alongside Virgil van Dijk, whilst Fabinho makes a shift to the right.
James Milner is another option at right-back, with the boss having favoured him in that role earlier this season.
