Liverpool pair Joe Gomez and Divock Origi will play no part in the upcoming Audi Cup in Germany, having suffered respective injuries.
The Reds face two matches in as many days at the Allianz Arena this week, with Bayern Munich up first on Tuesday evening, followed by a clash with either Atletico Madrid or Napoli.
Jurgen Klopp has confirmed that both Gomez and Origi will play no part in the tournament, with the young defender missing because of a knee problem and Origi out with a muscle issue.
Gomez’s injury gives Trent Alexander-Arnold a wonderful chance to make the right-back spot his own, ahead of Liverpool’s Premier League opener at Watford on August 12.
With Nathaniel Clyne expected to miss the trip to Vicarage Road, and Gomez now also struggling, the teenager could make just his third Premier League start against the Hornets.
It will be fascinating to see how Alexander-Arnold fares against Bayern, with the likes of Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery sure to test his credentials.
Origi was less likely to feature prominently in the Reds’ 2017/18 curtain-raiser next month, but his injury will come as a blow regardless.
With Dominic Solanke coming straight in and impressing from the off this summer, and Roberto Firmino and Daniel Sturridge also looking sharp, the Belgian could struggle to be a key figure this season.
These couple of matches would have been a great chance for the striker to prove his worth, but the injury curse has put paid to that.
On a more positive note, Klopp has confirmed that Loris Karius, Dejan Lovren and James Milner are all now available, but he confirmed that Danny Ings is still being wrapped in cotton wool, following two cruciate ligament injuries.
“He is in a really good way and we are very pleased with what he is doing,” he added.
“But it is smart and responsible for him that we allow him maximum time and sessions—both individually and with the team.
“So maybe not involved in the matches just yet but that means nothing more than we take our time and make him strong and ready to be a part of what we are going to do.”
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