Liverpool are facing an injury crisis ahead of their Premier League clash against Brighton with FOUR players set to miss Saturday’s match.
The Reds are hoping to recover from back-to-back defeats against Manchester City and Wolves to pick up a win that will, at the minimum, keep them four points clear at the top of the table.
However, they will have to try and win at the Amex with a number of players missing as Jurgen Klopp’s squad is stretched thinner than it has been at any other time this season.
According to The Telegraph, Jordan Henderson has a calf issue which makes him a doubt for the trip to the south coast, and the England midfielder faces a late fitness test to determine whether he even travels for the match.
Henderson joins Dejan Lovren, Joel Matip and Joe Gomez on the treatment table, with the three defenders out with hamstring, collarbone and leg injuries respectively.
Klopp said of Liverpool’s injury problems: “Joel (Matip) trained yesterday first time with the team, which is already really good but we have to see.
“We have to decide day-by-day how he is doing. He feels good, that’s good for us.
“Hendo (Jordan Henderson) will train today, first time, and we will see what that means exactly. Adam (Lallana) out. Dejan (Lovren) out. Joe (Gomez) of course out.
“All are improving, obviously, that is clear. I know they are not available.”
With all four players out, it is expected Fabinho will continue in the centre of defence, having played the position during Liverpool’s FA Cup defeat at Molineux earlier this week.
He will be partnered by Virgil van Dijk, who has missed just one Premier League game since debuting for the Reds last January.
Despite Liverpool’s recent injury blows, Klopp is believed to be unwilling to bring players in throughout the remaining weeks of the transfer window.
Nonetheless, the Anfield club have been linked with a move for James Tarkowski, the Burnley centre-back, who is valued at around £50million.
