We round up the latest Liverpool news and transfer rumours on Thursday, with attention now turning to Man United this weekend in the Premier League.
Today’s Main Headlines
- Mourinho confirms 3 starters for Liverpool trip on Sunday
United heading to Anfield in negative spirits.
- Watch Carragher and Neville’s brilliant analysis of our title challenge
The two best English pundits by a mile.
- Alisson and Firmino test their friendship in ‘Amigões’ quiz
Who is Bobby’s favourite Brazilian player ever?
- Debating Reds’ ideal Champions League last-16 opponents
Our writers select who they want in the next round.
- Klopp’s backup centre-back options this winter after key injuries
Jack Lusby picks out some possible defensive solutions.
United Face Injury Crisis
The Manchester Evening News report that United potentially have as many as nine injuries ahead of their trip to Anfield.
Alexis Sanchez and Victor Lindelof are both definitely missing, while Matteo Darmian, Chris Smalling, Luke Shaw and Anthony Martial didn’t travel to Valencia for their 2-1 defeat on Wednesday night.
There are also doubts surrounding Scott McTominay and Marcos Rojo, making Jose Mourinho’s squad depleted with Sunday looming.
Liverpool haven’t beaten their rivals for four-and-a-half years in the Premier League, and just once home and away since Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.
This weekend is a wonderful opportunity to change that.
MEN’s predicted lineup: De Gea; Valencia, Bailly, Jones, Young; Matic, Herrara, Fellaini; Rashford, Lingard, Lukaku
Has Ejaria Left Rangers?
The Scotsman report that Ovie Ejaria has deleted his Twitter account and unfollowed Rangers on Instagram, leading to speculation that his loan spell has ended prematurely.
The report does state that the 21-year-old “still follows Gers boss Steven Gerrard on Instagram, along with Light Blues players Glenn Middleton, Ryan Kent and Umar Sadiq.”
While this is a laughable reflection on modern journalism, the mood surrounding Ejaria has certainly soured in Glasgow of late.
The midfielder has not been included in Rangers’ Europa League squad to face Rapid Wien this evening, adding fuel to the fire.
Nothing has been confirmed yet, but it would be a blow to Ejaria if he returned to Liverpool earlier than expected.
Zielinski on Agent Talks at Anfield
Piotr Zielinski appeared as a second-half substitute for Napoli in midweek, but could do nothing about Liverpool progressing to the Champions League last 16.
The Pole has again been linked with a move to Merseyside, as he continually was back in the summer of 2016, after his agent was spotted at Anfield.
But Zielinski claimed he was unsure as to whether talks were held over a possible move, though he did reveal he was yet to decide whether to stay at Napoli for the long term.
“Honestly, I don’t know,” he told Polsat Sport after the game.
“We talked before, but he did not mention anything about a possible transfer.
“Let’s remember he’s also the manager of Kamil Grabara, so maybe he was discussing him with the Liverpool authorities.
“I feel very good in Naples, although I don’t know yet whether I will extend my contract.”
Robertson up for Award
Andy Robertson was excellent against Napoli, particularly during a marauding second-half performance in which he offered boundless energy down the left flank.
The Scotland captain has been rewarded for his efforts with a nomination for the Champions League Player of the Week.
Robertson is up for the award alongside Neymar, Leroy Sane and Young Boys striker Guillaume Hoarau, who scored twice in his side’s 2-1 victory over Juventus.
You can vote for Robertson here.
Atherton Signs Reds Deal
Goalkeeper Dan Atherton has signed his first professional contract with Liverpool, having impressed at the academy since the age of 12.
The 18-year-old took to Twitter on Wednesday evening to celebrate the news.
“Can’t say how happy I am to have signed my first professional contract at LFC. The hard work starts now to earn the next one,” he wrote.
Atherton recently trained with the first-team squad at Melwood during the November international break—one of six youngsters afforded the opportunity to work with Klopp.
Coutinho Back In Liverpool…to Party
Philippe Coutinho returned to Liverpool for one night only on Wednesday, as he attended the birthday party of Roberto Firmino‘s wife, Larissa Pereira.
The Brazilian celebrated with his former Reds team-mates on Merseyside, with Firmino wearing a white suit that only he could pull off.
Alberto Moreno posted a message saying “I’ve missed you so much brother” on his Instagram story—something Liverpool fans might not agree with!
Alisson was also present, following his last-gasp heroics against Napoli on Tuesday, along with Fabinho.
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