Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has told reporters that he has no new fitness concerns as he prepares to take on Everton in the Merseyside Derby.
Joel Matip and Fabinho are the only players currently being nursed back to full health by club staff and that is a welcome boost for the Reds, who are able to choose players from a position of strength as the club enters an extremely busy period.
Liverpool have already been without Matip for an extended period of time as the former Camaroon international failed to shake a knee injury that appeared innocuous at the time. The central defender initially hurt himself in the 1-0 win against Sheffield United and sat the next fixture out, but reappeared for the Manchester United draw a week later.
Despite playing 90 minutes, Matip hasnt been seen since that Utd game in late October.
Champions League victim
Fabinho is a recent blow as the Brazilian picked up an ankle knock in the 1-1 draw at home to Napoli. He was due to miss the Brighton game last Saturday because of suspension but will now be out of action until 2021.
We might see the defender towards the back end of December, but it doesnt appear as if hes ready for first team action for the next couple of weeks as the official club website reported.
“Joel needs a bit more time, its healing but its not exactly how we wished for”, said Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.
Its likely that Dejan Lovren will continue to be picked next to Virgil van Dijk, with Joe Gomez the unlucky man left on the bench. Lovren has played well since he claimed his place in the starting side and Matip may have to work harder than first anticipated if he wants to slot back into the side.
But with plenty of games in the next month, squad rotation will be key and everyone will get a chance to impress.
