Salah back, one surprise absence & Matip on latest Reds challenges – Liverpool FC Roundup

Liverpool host Atalanta at Anfield on Wedneday night; ahead of the game we’ve got injury news, Klopp’s thoughts and more.

 

Salah back – but no Bobby in training

Liverpool’s training session on Tuesday afternoon revealed Mo Salah is very much back in the frame for involvement against Atalanta.

The Reds involved a couple of players in the group who aren’t eligible for the game – defenders Nat Phillips and Billy Koumetio – and it’s apparent that the numbers are way down, with Leighton Clarkson likely to again be in the matchday squad.

That’s due to the likes of Thiago and Jordan Henderson still not being available in midfield, while at least one of Fabinho and James Milner must continue in the defensive line.

But there was also no Roberto Firmino in training ahead of the Wednesday night game, though at this stage there’s nothing to suggest it’s overly worrisome.

Win this one and we’re already through.

 

Matip helping the Reds through crisis

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - Sunday, November 8, 2020: Liverpool's Mohamed Salah celebrates after scoring the first goal with team-mates Trent Alexander-Arnold (C) and Joel Matip (R) during the FA Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Liverpool FC at the City of Manchester Stadium. The game was played behind closed doors due to the UK government’s social distancing laws during the Coronavirus COVID-19 Pandemic. The game ended in a 1-1 draw. (Pic by Propaganda)

Joel Matip has quickly become one of the most important players in the team again, with injury ravaging the back line and experienced heads in short supply.

He says he’s keen to step up and provide know-how and leadership for the Reds, in the absence of some of the usual faces.

“I always try to play my part and try to be the best player I can be. If I can help some players at the moment more then, of course, I would really like to do this.”

Meanwhile, facing Diogo Jota simply comes as another chance for the defence to improve their own game, as the new forward adds to the Reds’ already stellar attack, says Matip.

“He brought extra quality but we have a lot of quality in our team,” he said in the pre-game press conference.

“Every training is a challenge, especially for a defender, and you can improve. It’s a challenge you enjoy, to play against the best players, even in training.”

 

Next up, on and off the pitch

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, November 22, 2020: Liverpool’s Roberto Firmino celebrates after scoring the third goal during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Leicester City FC at Anfield. The game was played behind closed doors due to the UK government’s social distancing laws during the Coronavirus COVID-19 Pandemic. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

No time to stop, there’s too much going on in the next few days and weeks!

 

Quickfire LFC news

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, November 22, 2020: Liverpool’s captain James Milner during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Leicester City FC at Anfield. The game was played behind closed doors due to the UK government’s social distancing laws during the Coronavirus COVID-19 Pandemic. Liverpool won 3-0. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

  • Lille boss Christophe Gaultier reportedly holds the Liverpool job as his “intimate goal” during his career (SW)
  • Ex-Red Joao Carlos Teixeira says Jurgen Klopp is a “master” as he combined brilliant man management with unrivalled tactical expertise (Record)
  • U23 forwards Paul Glatzel and Joe Hardy are set for a few weeks out with ankle ligament injuries sustained against Saints (LFC)

 

Around the Prem

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - Sunday, December 8, 2019: Aston Villa's captain Jack Grealish, wearing a rainbow coloured captain's armband, during the FA Premier League match between Aston Villa FC and Leicester City FC at Villa Park. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

  • Man City‘s top target (today) is Jack Grealish, who they are prepared to pay £100m for. Will he be instead of Sterling, Foden, De Bruyne, Mahrez, Silva, Gundogan or Ferran? Oh the suspense (Indepenent)
  • Ole says Dean Henderson wants to “stay” at United amid January loan rumours, presumably because everybody loves a front-row seat at a good comedy show (Sky)
  • Concussion subs are on the way in the FA Cup this season, which is potentially good news for the Reds’ U16s who will probably be playing that competition (Guardian)

 

Hypocritical story of the day

Solskjaer says Anthony Martial must not get lazy and settle for dropping in and out of the starting line-up, which is quite something for a man best-known for being a substitute in his playing days.

 

Tweet of the day

Massive heart emoji and all the feels.

 

Worth watching tonight

Your pick of the Champions League Liverpool warm-ups. We’d recommend PSG vs Leipzig for the intrigue and individuality. 8pm, BT Sport.

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An informative, tongue-in-cheek roundup of the day’s events at LFC and the wider football world.