While Liverpool are forced to contend with a series of minor injuries ahead of the weekend, Huddersfield Town also have hurdles to jump going into the clash.
The Reds travel to the John Smith’s Stadium with question marks over the fitness of Virgil van Dijk, James Milner, Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah.
All four have been backed to recover in time for the tie, but their injury problems could be a concern as Jurgen Klopp prepares to rotate his selection.
Liverpool ticked off a rare milestone last month at Tottenham, as they not only won away from home in a 12.30pm kickoff, but also in their first game back from the international break.
They will be hoping to do the same in Saturday’s 5.30pm meeting with the Terriers, who themselves have issues to address.
Already 18th in the Premier League having drawn three and lost five of their first eight games, Huddersfield will also be looking for only their second post-international win in four seasons.
As analysed by the Examiner‘s Mel Booth, David Wagner’s side have lost all four of their outings after the break since their promotion to the top flight.
And their only victory immediately after these intervals came against Leeds United in the Championship in 2016/17.
Since the beginning of 2015/16, they have suffered 13 losses, including a 1-0 defeat at home to Crystal Palace last month.
Comparatively, Liverpool have played 12 times after the international break since Klopp took over in 2015, winning six, drawing five and losing one.
That defeat came in the 5-0 away to Man City in September last year, when Sadio Mane‘s early red card saw a bright performance dissolve and Pep Guardiola’s side take charge.
Elsewhere, Klopp’s best man has injury problems of his own to deal with, including star midfielder Aaron Mooy, who pulled out of the Australia squad with a groin issue.
However, he is expected to be passed fit for the game, but “Town will be taking no chances” according to Booth, similar to Salah for Liverpool.
Huddersfield had eight other players on duty in the international break, but Denmark U21s midfielder Philip Billing has also withdrawn this week.
Billing has been an ever-present for the Terriers so far in the league, and Wagner will no doubt miss his 6’6″ frame in the middle of the park if he is not available.
Elsewhere, summer signing Ramadan Sobhi told the Examiner‘s Rory Benson that his “knee is better now,” having played just six minutes this season, but he is unclear whether he will take part on Saturday.
The Terriers are on a run of 13 games without a competitive victory, and have lost three of their last five, two of which came at home.
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