We round up the latest Liverpool news and transfer rumours on Thursday, with the Reds’ trip to Burnley just two days away.
Today’s Main Headlines
- Oxlade-Chamberlain returns to England squad
Four Reds called up for Euro 2020 qualifiers.
- Burnley striker lauds Van Dijk as “the best”
Barnes will be a threat this weekend.
- All you need to know ahead of Champions League draw
Full info on who Liverpool can face.
- The view from Burnley ahead of trip to Turf Moor
“Liverpool’s hardest test so far.”
More on Liverpool’s Stance on Duncan
It’s been a dramatic 24 hours for Bobby Duncan, with the youngster pushing for a loan move to Fiorentina.
The Reds are remaining strong and not allowing him to leave, though, but there is hope that the issue can be resolved.
The Athletic‘s James Pearce has cleared up the situation, saying he has Liverpool’s full support and that there is a “way back” for him:
“Liverpool sympathise with Duncan and insist there is still a way back for him at Anfield.
“They believe the youngster has been poorly advised and are keen to provide help and support.
“The club have a support network for any players who struggle with mental health or issues in their private life.
“He’s still held in high regard as a professional both at Melwood and at the academy. They certainly don’t intend to punish him.”
Pearce also says that Liverpool have “no complaints” about his quality on the pitch, but “felt the need to keep his ego in check.”
He added that the 18-year-old was “warned at times about his use of social media and bringing unnecessary attention on himself.”
Duncan posted a brief message insisting “I just want to play football!” on Thursday afternoon, before swiftly deleting it.
Loan Move for Jones “Unlikely”
Curtis Jones has been one of several Liverpool youngsters tipped to go out on loan this season, continuing his development as a player.
It now looks as though the Reds under-23s captain will stay at Anfield, again according to Pearce, this time on Twitter:
“In other news Curtis Jones now unlikely to go out on loan before the window shuts.
“Plan is for the Liverpool midfielder to play for the U23s in the first half of the season and be kept around the first-team squad.”
Jones has his work cut out when it comes to breaking into Liverpool’s first-team squad regularly, considering how much depth there is in midfield.
Some strong performances for the U23s until the turn of the year are required—if he does that, Jurgen Klopp could use him when legs are starting to tire in the second half of the season.
Burnley Could be Without Key Man
Liverpool are preparing to take on Burnley at Turf Moor on Saturday evening, looking to make it four wins out of four in the Premier League.
The Clarets are sure to make life tough for Klopp’s men, as is so often the case, but they could be without Johann Berg Gudmundsson.
According to LancsLive, Burnley‘s key midfielder is a “doubt” for the game, with Jeff Hendrick potentially filling in on the right.
Andy Robertson will be relieved, with Gudmundsson a real threat—scoring against Liverpool in 2017/18, prior to Ragnar Klavan‘s famous late winner at Turf Moor.
Gronnemark Extends Liverpool Stay
Throw-in specialist Thomas Gronnemark worked with Liverpool last season, highlighting the fine details Klopp goes into when perfecting his plans.
Gronnemark has confirmed that he will be with the Reds again in 2019/20, telling Skive Folkeblad about his decision:
“I’m continuing in the club this season. It has not been officially announced, but it has been featured in so many media outlets.
“I did not make a press release, but it is true, so I can confirm it.
“It is fantastic. When we have just won the Champions League and were one point away from winning the English Championship, it will not get much bigger and much better.
“Especially when Jurgen Klopp is also so happy with my efforts. It’s great to be appreciated.”
Club World Cup Latest
Liverpool will play in the FIFA Club World Cup in December, looking to go one better than 2005, when they lost to Sao Paulo in the final.
The Reds don’t know who all of their opponents will be yet in the competition—there are seven teams involved in total—but the Copa Libertadores is now reaching its latter stages.
The winner of South America’s version of the Champions League will make it through to the Club World Cup and three of the four semi-finalists have been confirmed.
Brazilian pair Gremio and Flamengo will face off, while Boca Juniors will likely face bitter rivals River Plate, assuming they hold onto their 2-0 lead against Cerro Porteno in Thursday’s quarter-final second leg.
Who do you fancy seeing take on the Reds?
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