How Liverpool should line up at Aston Villa as Mane and Thiago are ruled out with coronavirus
Liverpool already look unstoppable this season as they travel to Aston Villa on Sunday – but the Reds’ preparation has been far from straightforward.
That’s because the squad has been struck by coronavirus, with Sadio Mane and Thiago Alcantara both testing positive for the disease this week.
Mane scored a last-minute winner when they last faced Villa at Villa Park but will not play in this match
Playing Villa was hard enough last season. They needed two goals after the 87th minute to overcome the Villans, and they face a team who look set to be much stronger this term.
Like Liverpool, Villa also have a 100% record so far this campaign, albeit having played two games rather than three.
Ross Barkley is the latest player to join Dean Smith’s side in an exciting transfer window, which has also included the acquisitions of Ollie Watkins and Bertrand Traore.
Liverpool team news
As mentioned, Mane and Thiago are unavailable as they’re self-isolating, while captain Jordan Henderson could also miss out.
Danny Murphy explains why Paul Pogba wouldn’t get into Liverpool’s midfield
Henderson has not played since coming off at half-time during the 2-0 victory over Chelsea two weeks ago.
Jurgen Klopp insists Henderson is not injured, but may let him get more minutes in the upcoming international friendlies for England before throwing him back into Liverpool’s starting XI.
“He has absolutely no muscle issues, he’s not injured any more. Now we have to make sure he can make the next step. What that means for the weekend, I don’t know,” Klopp said.
“I was in close contact with Gareth Southgate and it is clear that he will use the time with the national team for getting match fit.”
LATEST FOOTBALL STORIES
So, how will Liverpool line up without two key players?
How Liverpool should line up against Aston Villa
Klopp will expect this team to get the better of Villa, however
No comments:
Post a Comment