Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp could have both Jordan Henderson and Thiago Alcantara fit and ready for Saturday lunchtime’s Premier League clash with Burnley at Anfield.
The midfield duo both missed last weekend’s 3-0 win over Norwich City but are working their way back to full fitness and reportedly played 80 minutes apiece in a behind-closed-doors friendly with Aston Villa last weekend.
However, Klopp may initially decide to name both men among the substitutes ahead of next week’s visit of Chelsea, meaning that James Milner and Naby Keita can look forward to successive starts.
Fabinho had to make do with a 30-minute cameo against Norwich but could displace Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in the first XI here, while Kostas Tsimikas continues to deputize for Andy Robertson as the Scot battles an ankle injury.
Klopp has no reason to make any alterations to the rearguard after last week’s performance, with Virgil van Dijk and Joel Matip forming the center-back pairing and Alisson Becker producing heroics to preserve his side’s clean sheet.
Sadio Mane was the only member of Liverpool’s front line not to get in on the act last week but is unlikely to be dropped, while Mohamed Salah returns to Anfield after becoming the first player in Premier League history to score on an opening day of five seasons in a row.
Roberto Firmino and Diogo Jota are in direct competition to lead the line after opening their accounts for the new season at Carrow Road, but the Brazilian has registered five goals in his last six league games against Burnley and will hope to continue that hot streak here.
Liverpool’s possible starting lineup: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Fabinho, Keita, Milner; Salah, Firmino, Mane.
