Sheffield United v Liverpool: Team news
Sadio Mane and Divock Origi are in contention for Liverpool’s clash with Sheffield United after returning to full training on Thursday.
Mane sustained what Jürgen Klopp described as “a knock on the bone, around the knee, and a dead leg... an awful combination” during the Reds’ 2-1 victory at Chelsea last Sunday.
Meanwhile, Origi has been recovering from an ankle issue he collected in the early stages of the Anfield encounter with Newcastle United on September 14.
However, Klopp confirmed during his pre-match press conference: “Both trained [on Thursday]. Sadio and Div, completely normal. No issues.”
The manager also expects to have James Milner available, despite picking up a knock to the back on Wednesday night against MK Dons.
Xherdan Shaqiri will miss the contest as he continues to recover from a calf issue, while Alisson Becker could resume full training on Sunday but isn’t in contention to take on the Blades.
Liverpool made 11 changes from their win at Stamford Bridge for the MK Dons tie.
Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder also made wholesale changes to his team for the Blades’ Carabao Cup tie in midweek - a 1-0 defeat by Sunderland.
For Saturday, captain Billy Sharp is ruled out through suspension, while fellow forward David McGoldrick is unlikely to play due to a groin issue.
“Everyone is fine apart from David McGoldrick, he’s very very doubtful for this weekend’s game,” Wilder told the media.
On meeting Liverpool, Wilder said: “Of course, playing the best team in Europe at Bramall Lane was always going to be one of the fixtures to look forward to when we got promoted back to the Premier League.
“They’ve caused better sides than us untold problems in terms of the way they move the ball around the pitch and the way they attack with pace and quality, so we know we will need to be at our very best.”
Last time out (Premier League)
Everton 0-2 Sheffield United (September 21): Henderson, Basham, Egan, O'Connell, Baldock, Stevens, Norwood, Fleck, Lundstram, Robinson, McBurnie.
Chelsea 1-2 Liverpool (September 22): Adrian, Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson, Fabinho, Henderson, Wijnaldum, Salah, Mane, Firmino.