Jurgen Klopp is said to be considering whether to restore Loris Karius to the Liverpool starting lineup for Saturday’s clash with Spurs.
The Reds welcome their top-four rivals to Anfield on Saturday evening, desperately hoping to recapture their form and ensure their season gets back on track.
They have won just once in their first 10 games in 2017, and most recently suffered a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Hull City in the Premier League.
Taking on Mauricio Pochettino’s Spurs, Liverpool have the perfect opportunity to re-establish themselves in the fight for the top four, harnessing their excellent form against their rivals this term.
To do so, Klopp may call upon Karius as his first-choice goalkeeper, following a lengthy spell on the sidelines for the summer signing.
According to the Mirror, the Reds manager is considering whether to drop Simon Mignolet after a series of shaky performances, rewarding Karius’ impressive cup displays.
Signed from Mainz 05 in a deal worth £4.7 million, Karius was earmarked as Liverpool’s new No. 1, but came under criticism in his first months between the sticks on Merseyside.
Leading the witch-hunt was Sky Sports’ Gary Neville, with Klopp seemingly relenting to pressure and removing Karius from the spotlight.
This was never set to be a long-term move, however, with Klopp outlining his faith in Karius since his move to the Premier League.
But at just 23, the shot-stopper requires time to settle, despite operating as first choice at Mainz for the past three seasons in the Bundesliga.
While Saturday’s must-win clash with Spurs is an interesting time to reintroduce Karius to the English top flight, he is not likely to be short of confidence having performed well of late.
Mignolet was scrutinised following an error in the buildup to Alfred N’Diaye’s goal in last weekend’s defeat to Hull, with Klopp admitting after the game that it was a costly mistake from the Belgian.
“We have to show a reaction. That’s how it is. We are causing [ourselves] problems,” he said.
“For sure, he was not alone around the goal, but he had it nearly in his hands, so he cannot ignore this.”
This may have forced the 49-year-old’s hand, with Karius waiting in the wings to reclaim his place in the starting lineup, no doubt determined to make a statement if he is drafted in.
He could be one of a handful of changes on Saturday, with Georginio Wijnaldum and Divock Origi also named as potential starters.
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