Watford v Liverpool: Team news

The playmaker will sit out the Premier League clash due to a minor fitness issue in what will be an otherwise near-full strength squad for the Reds.

Jordan Henderson is available having returned from England duty prematurely because of a hamstring complaint and Jürgen Klopp has reported no other problems following the international recess.

The manager confirmed: “In the moment it looks like we have pretty much a full squad – [although] there are the long-term injuries, of course.

“Adam Lallana has a minor thing that makes him unavailable for the weekend, but all the rest came back healthy from the internationals, which is brilliant.

“So, we have to make a few decisions.”

Watford come into the game having made their best ever start to a Premier League season, with the Hornets currently occupying seventh position in the standings having garnered 20 points from their opening 12 matches.

It’s with this in mind Javi Gracia has vowed his side will not adapt their enterprising outlook for the visit of Liverpool.

“We will not modify our style,” he said. “We will be loyal to our style and play the way we usually do, but knowing we have to be careful with their players because they are very, very good.

“I expect a difficult game, a tough game. It's a good challenge for us. We are working hard to live this experience and enjoy the games. Playing at home we feel we are able to win all the games we play. I am sure playing at home with the support of our fans it will be a different game.”

Watford are able to call upon the services of Adalberto Penaranda for the first time after the 21-year-old Venezuelan international was granted a work permit earlier this week.

“Penaranda is available,” said Gracia. “I think he needs time. He will train hard in the next weeks to be in the best condition.”

Etienne Capoue returns from suspension for the hosts and Will Hughes and Sebastian Prodl are expected to be fit following niggles.

“All of them are available and [on Friday] we will decide the players who will play,” Gracia continued. “I have all the players ready and I am looking forward to the game.”

Elsewhere, Tom Cleverley is closing in on a return having not figured since January due to injury, though Saturday’s encounter is likely to come too soon for the midfielder.

Last time out…

Southampton 1-1 Watford (November 10): Foster, Femenia, Mariappa, Cathcart, Holebas, Hughes, Chalobah, Doucoure, Pereyra, Deulofeu, Success.

Liverpool 2-0 Fulham (November 11): Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Van Dijk, Robertson, Wijnaldum, Fabinho, Shaqiri, Mane, Salah, Firmino.