Ryan Kent and Marko Grujic both have big opportunities to prove themselves further on the big stage this weekend, while Harry Wilson can address his form.
The Reds return to action after the international break with a home clash with Tottenham on Sunday afternoon, 28 hours on from Man City‘s trip to Fulham.
Jurgen Klopp has welcomed his squad back to Melwood this week along with, briefly, Herbie Kane, who underwent tests on his groin injury on Tuesday before returning to Doncaster.
Kane could miss the rest of the season as a result, which spells a disappointing end to one of Liverpool’s most impressive loanees this campaign.
Another to make a big mark in 2018/19 is Kent, and the 22-year-old could play one of his last games for Rangers on Sunday after a £10 million price tag was placed on his head, likely ruling out a long-term switch to Ibrox.
Performances such as his star showing against Celtic in the 1-0 win in December have seen his stock rise, and another Old Firm derby at Celtic Park could attract more attention.
The same can be said of Grujic, who told Bild on Wednesday that he would prefer to stay at Hertha Berlin beyond the end of the season than head back to Liverpool to play a bit-part role.
“If I could choose myself, I would stay with Hertha for another year, or maybe even two years, to make a very good name for myself by improving all my qualities,” the midfielder explained.
This has been Grujic’s most productive loan spell so far, despite two ankle injuries, and an away trip to RB Leipzig on Saturday evening provides another chance to impress.
Leipzig sit third in the Bundesliga heading into the weekend, 11 points behind both Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund, and have lost just once in their last 10 league games.
Hertha are now 10th, and have lost five of their last 10 in the league, winning just three, and with Vladimir Darida ruled out with a thigh injury, there will be more pressure on the outstanding Grujic to dominate in midfield.
Meanwhile in Derby, Wilson has suffered a drop-off form as a campaign that has seen him nominated for the EFL Young Player of the Season award draws to a close.
Frank Lampard’s side have only won two of their last 10 in the Championship, and while they are still only one point off the playoff places, their hopes of promotion to the Premier League have taken a big hit.
Wilson has scored 12 goals and assisted four in 37 games for the Rams, but hasn’t directly contributed to a goal in any of his last 11 games—despite starting all but one.
Fortunately, the weekend brings a clash with 22nd-placed Rotherham, mired in a relegation battle and potentially an easy target for Derby.
Elsewhere over the next four days, Southampton could see the long-awaited return of Danny Ings from injury, as could Ovie Ejaria for Reading, while Taiwo Awoniyi will look to add to his seven goals and two assists for Mouscron.
Liverpool’s Loanees This Weekend
- Nathaniel Clyne (Bournemouth) – Leicester (A), Saturday 3pm
- Harry Wilson (Derby) – Rotherham (H), Saturday 3pm
- Ovie Ejaria (Reading) – Preston (H), Saturday 3pm
- Danny Ings (Southampton) – Brighton (A), Saturday 3pm
- Taiwo Awoniyi (Mouscron) – Kortrijk (A), Saturday 5pm
- Marko Grujic (Hertha Berlin) – RB Leipzig (A), Saturday 5.30pm
- Ryan Kent (Rangers) – Celtic (A), Sunday 12pm
- Kamil Grabara (AGF Aarhus) – Vejle BK (H), Monday 6pm
- Loris Karius (Besiktas) – Rizespor (A), Monday 6pm
- Anderson Arroyo (Gent U21) – Genk (H), Monday 6.30pm
- Liam Millar (Kilmarnock) – St Mirren (A), Monday 7.45pm
Injured: Herbie Kane (Doncaster), Adam Bogdan (Hibernian)
Ineligible: Pedro Chirivella (Extremadura)
Not in action: Sheyi Ojo (Reims), Allan Rodrigues (Fluminense)
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