Liverpool newbie Minamino is ineligible to debut against Sheffield United
New signing Takumi Minamino, who will join the Reds on 1st January, will have to wait to make his Liverpool debut. (h/t Express)
Jurgen Klopp seemed to hint at the Japanese playmaker’s availability against Sheffield United in his post-match press conference after the 1-0 win against Wolverhampton Wanderers (h/t Express).
“ For the next game we’ll maybe have two more player .Maybe Nat Phillips will be here and Takumi [Minamino]. We have to see how he is after the winter break, he trained obviously, but not with the team.”
With injuries threatening to further complicate the busy schedule, the addition of Minamino would have afforded Klopp a good opportunity to rotate his squad as Liverpool prepare for a busy January.
However, according to Premier League regulations, Minamino won’t be able to feature for the Reds against Sheffield United. (h/t Express)
The rule states: “New players signed on 1-2 January will not be eligible for Matchweek 21.”
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Minamino’s availability would have come as a boost for Klopp, who is already missing Rhian Brewster, Xherdan Shaqiri and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to injury.
With Fabinho, Joel Matip and Dejan Lovren also out till February, Liverpool are a couple of injuries away from a crisis.
Minamino is eligible to feature against Everton in the FA Cup third round next Sunday.