MatchLiverpool v Chelsea: Team news
Liverpool are set to be bolstered by the return of Alexis Mac Allister when they host Chelsea in the Premier League on Wednesday night.
The Argentinian is back in training with the Reds having been rested as a precaution when Norwich City were beaten 5-2 in the Emirates FA Cup on Sunday.
“Macca trained yesterday so he should be fine,” said Jürgen Klopp at his pre-match press conference on Tuesday afternoon, where he also reported no fresh fitness concerns.
Thiago Alcantara has resumed full training following his long-term injury, though is not yet in contention to feature in matches.
Klopp said of the midfielder: “Thiago trained [for the] first time, which was an incredible moment after all the months he couldn’t. And then training at the level he trains – oof! But he needs time. But it’s anyway a wonderful sign for yesterday.”
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Watch on YouTubeLiverpool will, though, continue to be without the sidelined Stefan Bajcetic, Ben Doak, Joel Matip, Mohamed Salah and Kostas Tsimikas, while Wataru Endo remains on international duty at the Asian Cup.
Owen Beck has rejoined Dundee on loan after being in the Reds’ matchday squad four times in January.
An appearance for Trent Alexander-Arnold in the 8.15pm GMT kick-off at Anfield would take the No.66 to 300 appearances for the club.
Mauricio Pochettino revealed Chelsea are likely to travel north to Merseyside with Malo Gusto and Christopher Nkunku available again.
And there is a possibility striker Nicolas Jackson could be immediately involved for his club after being eliminated from the Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal on Monday night.
“I think Malo Gusto and Christoph can be in the squad for tomorrow, travel with us and with the team. That is the good news,” said Pochettino.
“Always we are waiting for the last moment for some surprise, but at the moment yes, it’s good news to have two players recovered.
“And see if maybe, why not, Nico Jackson can arrive tomorrow and also be involved in the game – if he can arrive. [Nkunku] is going to be involved in the squad. A few good news.”
The visitors will, however, be without eight players due to injury.
“Levi [Colwill] is out, he suffered a minor injury in his tendon,” said Pochettino. “I think it’s not a big issue but he is going to be out for tomorrow.
“Trevoh [Chalobah] is really close, he is doing so well. I think it’s only a matter of time that he can be involved again. But he is doing really well.”
Marc Cucurella, Wesley Fofana, Reece James, Romeo Lavia, Robert Sanchez and Lesley Ugochukwu are the others currently sidelined for the Blues.
Last match
Liverpool 5-2 Norwich (January 28): Alisson, Bradley, Quansah, Konate, Gomez, McConnell, Gravenberch, Jones, Gakpo, Jota, Nunez.
Chelsea 0-0 Aston Villa (January 26): Petrovic, Gilchrist, Disasi, Silva, Badiashile, Caicedo, Fernandez, Gallagher, Madueke, Sterling, Palmer.