Liverpool duo Naby Keita and Trent Alexander-Arnold doubts for Watford clash
According to Liverpool Echo, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has some selection headaches for the clash against Watford today with both Naby Keita and Trent Alexander-Arnold a doubt for the game.
Premier League returns today after the International break and Jurgen Klopp’s men take on the Hornets in their first match after the break. The Reds sit one point behind Manchester City in the Premier League title race and have the chance to leapfrog the citizens at least temporarily.
Both Trent and Keita have been on the injury list for Liverpool since the International break and are doubts for the match today. While the right-back is closer to returning to action than the midfielder, it remains to be seen if either takes part in the game considering the clash against City next week.
Speaking about the injuries before the game, the German manager has claimed that Trent is set to resume full training. This will come as a welcome boost given that the club has an exciting few weeks ahead.
“Trent trained yesterday in parts and will be in full training today, and we’ll have to see what we do with it.”
On the midfielder, Klopp said it’s touch and go and it remains to be seen if Keita is involved. A game-winner on his day, the Guinean’s availability will offer the Reds an attacking boost from midfield.
“It will be tight for tomorrow but it’s possible from what I hear. It’s different if you are part of team training, it depends on what you could do before and he was with our rehab and fitness department.”
There are no other injuries for Jurgen Klopp to worry about and he is likely to have the rest of the squad at his disposal barring any last-minute injuries.
Not worth the risk?
Even if Trent and Keita are passed fit for the Hornet’s clash, Klopp will have to consider the risk of playing them considering the fact that the Reds have two important games against Manchester City back to back in the league and cup.
Keita has been an important player for Klopp and while his performances have always been mixed, he has still managed to play 25 matches this season.
Trent meanwhile has been unbelievable this season. He has played 35 games and given 17 assists. He is, without doubt, the creative fulcrum of the team along with Mohamed Salah and to an extent, Andy Robertson and the German manager will want him to be fit and ready for the two games against City.
The Reds are chasing an unprecedented quadruple this season and the next week would be defining for Jurgen Klopp’s men. They have a potential title-deciding clash against the defending Champions and a FA Cup semi-final which is a knock-out tie.
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Klopp will want all his players fit and firing for these two games. With this perspective in mind, risking Trent and Keita today does not make sense as Liverpool are expected to be able to get past the Hornets in their absence.
The German manager will also be hoping he does not have any new injuries coming up from today’s clash.
