Newcastle v Liverpool: Team news
Liverpool must check on Roberto Firmino's fitness ahead of Saturday's Premier League meeting with Newcastle United at St. James' Park.
The No.9 was a second-half substitute in the Champions League clash with Barcelona in midweek after recovering from a muscle tear.
Asked for an update on Firmino at his pre-Newcastle press conference on Friday, Jürgen Klopp said: “We will see.”
The Reds will definitely be without midfielder Naby Keita for the trip to the north east, however.
He has been ruled out for the remainder of the season with an adductor injury sustained in the early stages of Wednesday night’s game at Camp Nou.
“He was in a really good moment - a really, really good moment - but it happened, that’s how football and life sometimes are. It’s not too nice, but it’s very serious,” said Klopp.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who made his first-team return in the last Premier League fixture against Huddersfield Town, is in line to come into the squad in Keita’s absence.
“It’s perfect that he’s back,” said the manager regarding the possibility of an opportunity opening up for the England international.
“We will see. It’s very good that Ox is there and he will be for sure in the squad. Then we have to make a decision who starts.”
For Newcastle, Ayoze Perez - the club’s top scorer in the Premier League this season with 11 goals - is ‘fine’ after being forced off with an injury 33 minutes into the 1-1 draw at Brighton and Hove Albion last weekend.
Jamaal Lascelles is back in contention, too, but DeAndre Yedlin (groin) is a doubt for the Magpies, for whom this fixture is the final one at home this term.
“We are professional and have to do our job,” said former Reds boss Rafael Benitez at his pre-match preview.
“My relationship with the city of Liverpool, the club and the fans is there. At the same time, I have been to play Liverpool with Chelsea, with Newcastle, and we have to do our job.
“We have 52,000 in our stadium and it is the last home game of the season. Everyone understands we are professionals - for everyone here, we want to win the game.”
Last time out
Brighton and Hove Albion 1-1 Newcastle (April 27): Dubravka, Schar, Fernandez, Dummett, Manquillo, Ritchie, Hayden, Shelvey, Perez, Atsu, Rondon.
Barcelona 3-0 Liverpool (May 1): Alisson, Gomez, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson, Fabinho, Milner, Keita, Mane, Salah, Wijnaldum.