Opponent Watch: Toulouse confirm squad for Liverpool trip; four players missing due to injury

Four injury issues and a suspension hold Toulouse back from a full-strength squad against Liverpool

The upcoming Europa League clash at Anfield promises an exciting encounter for Liverpool fans, as the team gets ready to face Toulouse in a crucial Group Stage match. As we look ahead to Thursday evening’s fixture, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has several options at his disposal for the starting lineup.

Klopp’s choices for the starting XI revolve around the available players, and considering the absence of several key individuals, the manager must carefully select the best combination to secure a victory. Thiago Alcantara, Stefan Bajcetic and Andy Robertson will surely not take part in the game against Toulouse as they still need to recover and get back from their respective injury layoffs.

Toulouse, on the other hand (h/t X formerly Twitter

), will be without the services of Ibrahim Cissoko, Oliver Zanden, Zakaria Aboukhlal, Stijn Spierings, and Ylies Aradj, who are all unavailable for this European showdown.

The Reds’ lineup (potential)

For the Merseysiders, apart from the confirmed list of players missing out, Caoimhin Kelleher could take his place as the last line of defence for Liverpool. Kelleher has demonstrated his ability as a reliable backup goalkeeper and could showcase his skills against Toulouse.

Trent Alexander-Arnold and Kostas Tsimikas as right and left-back with Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate is what we expect the backline to be. In case the manager decides to give the seniors some rest, we could potentially see Jarell Quansah retain his place in the starting XI from our last game in the competition.

The midfield engine room is another area where Klopp has flexibility. He could opt for Wataru Endo or Curtis Jones, depending on the tactical approach he wishes to employ. Additionally, Ryan Gravenberch could feature in the midfield to provide creativity and control. Dominik Szoboszlai or Alexis Mac Allister could complete the midfield trio, each offering their unique strengths to the team. Harvey Elliott could also retain his spot in the starting XI that played against Union St.Gilloise in the UEL last time.

In the attack, Liverpool has a myriad of options. Darwin Nunez, who has impressed with his direct style of play, could be given the opportunity to shine from the start. Playing alongside Nunez, the ever-reliable Mohamed Salah could make a significant impact on the game. Speaking of the right-wing position, Ben Doak is also a contender to start the game to give Mo a breather.

Klopp also has the luxury of choice for the left-wing position. Diogo Jota, Luis Diaz, and Cody Gakpo could all be contenders to fill this role. The coaching staff’s decision here will play a pivotal role in determining Liverpool’s attacking dynamics.

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With a blend of experience, emerging talent, and options to suit different tactical approaches, Liverpool will surely enter the fixture with confidence.