Klopp forced to make five changes as illness sweeps through Liverpool squad

10 February 2024 , 14:25

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Jurgen Klopp's depleted Liverpool face Burnley this afternoon. (Image: Getty Images)

Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker and defender Joe Gomez have been ruled out of today’s Premier League game against Burnley because of an illness that is roaring its way through the squad.

And with talisman Mo Salah still sidelined by the injury sustained while playing for Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations, manager Jurgen Klopp has named a starting XI without half a dozen key players.

Ibrahima Konate is serving a suspension, midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai is injured and centre back Joel Matip remains out with a long-term problem.

But on a brighter note for the Reds, Andy Robertson will make his first Premier League start since early October, while Wataru Endo returns to the midfield after playing for Japan at the Asian Cup.

Back up goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher will start in between the posts, with Darwin Nunez and Jarell Quansah also starting.

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In total there are five changes to the team that lost away to Arsenal last weekend as Ryan Gravenberch and Cody Gakpo drop to the bench.

And speaking before hosting Vincent Kompany’s side at Anfield, Klopp confirmed that flu has taken hold in the Anfield dressing room.

"We have Ibou not available, we’re fighting with a little bit of flu in the squad, so we have to see who is available so that’s all not cool,” Klopp said.

"But in the end we will have 11 players and we will go for it. Obviously Mo is not back as well and that means we really need everybody.

Liverpool keeper Alisson Becker was ruled out against Burnley (Paul Currie/REX/Shutterstock)

"Was it two or three weeks ago when we sat here and we were talking about the luxury problem of lining up players?

"If anybody asks me that again I will kick him out of the room, honestly. We talk once about it and a week later we have a completely different situation."

Chelsea loanee David Datro Fofana will lead the line for Burnley, who remain without four-goal Lyle Foster. Maxime Esteve and Hannes Delcroix also return to Kompany's starting 11.

Liverpool: Kelleher, Alexander-Arnold, Quansah, van Dijk, Robertson, Mac Allister, Endo, Jones, Jota, Nunez, Diaz. Substitutes: Adrian, Gakpo, Elliott, Tsimikas, Gravenberch, Clark, McConnell, Koumas, Mrozek.

Burnley: Trafford, Assignon, O'Shea, Esteve, Delcroix, Brownhill, Berge, Ramsey, Odobert, Fofana, Amdouni. Substitutes: Cork, Rodriguez, Benson, Ekdal, Vitinho, Cullen, Bruun Larsen, Massengo, Muric.

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