Liverpool team news: Injuries, predicted lineup, debuts and more vs. Crystal Palace
If Jurgen Klopp could have taken a point from Liverpool’s stunning performance at the start of the 2022/23 Premier League season, perhaps the development the manager wanted least was more injuries.
Six minutes after the break, Thiago Alcantara was the last player in the Reds’ midfield to struggle alone when he had to be substituted with a hamstring injury.
Liverpool’s strength as a team was once again evident when one of their substitutes, Darwin Nunez, provided an assist and a goal from the bench to secure a 2-2 draw at newly promoted Fulham.
What’s the latest on Thiago and Liverpool’s other recent absences? Before visiting the Crystal Palace at Anfield, The sports news has the latest.
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Expected Liverpool line-up: The Reds start against Palace
Here’s what Liverpool’s squad could look like in a 4-3-3 formation: Alisson (TG) – Alexander-Arnold, Van Dijk, Matip, Robertson – Henderson, Fabinho, Milner – Salah, Nunez, Diaz.
Which Liverpool signings could start against Palace?
Darwin Nunez began paying back his initial £64million ($78million) transfer fee during this action-packed cameo at Craven Cottage.
Klopp could well have considered rotating his strikers regardless of opening day and the man, who arrived from Benfica in June, reiterated the case for starting against Palace.
If Klopp makes that call, it will likely come at the expense of Roberto Firmino, the player Nunez replaced for his competitive debut for the club.
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Liverpool injury news for Palace showdown
Liverpool haven’t given an exact date for when Thiago will return but have said they expect the Spain international to be out for several weeks.
Portuguese striker Diogo Jota is still sidelined with a similar issue and midfielder Naby Keita may not be able to return from the start after being sidelined with a non-Covid illness.
Defender Ibrahima Konate will not play until at least September with a knee injury, while left-back Kostas Tsimikas has recovered from a knee problem and could play again against Palace.
Full-back Calvin Ramsay is hoping to play this month but is yet to return to training and midfielder Curtis Jones is expected to be two weeks away from training after picking up an injury during the Community Shield game against Manchester City.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has been out for a long time and goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher will be out for at least another two weeks.
What was the result between Liverpool and Palace last season?
Virgil van Dijk and Oxlade-Chamberlain gave Liverpool a 2-0 lead after 32 minutes in January. Odsonne Edouard answered for the Eagles before Fabinho added a penalty in the 89th minute.
Sadio Mane broke the deadlock in the 43rd minute when Palace visited Anfield last September. Mohamed Salah and Keita scored in the second half to win 3-0.
Liverpool have won ten consecutive Premier League encounters with Palace since losing 2-1 at Anfield in April 2017.