Europa: How Liverpool could line up against Toulouse
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp will once again be working around three guaranteed absentees for Thursday’s Europa League Group E showdown with Toulouse at Stadium Municipal.
None of Stefan Bajcetic (calf), Thiago Alcantara (hip) or Andrew Robertson (shoulder) will be seen in a Reds jersey for a while, and Curtis Jones also sat out the weekend’s draw with Luton Town due to a minor fitness concern.
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However, there is optimism that Jones will be fit enough to play a part on Thursday evening, where a win could see Liverpool confirm a spot in the last 16 with two games to spare if other results go their wa
As ever, Caoimhin Kelleher will take the gloves off of Alisson Becker for the Europa League, while Joe Gomez – who began at left-back against Luton – could now offer Trent Alexander-Arnold a rest on the right-hand side.
Kostas Tsimikas’s return to his left-back spot appears to be a guarantee, while Jarell Quansah was overlooked against Toulouse two weeks ago but is in contention to partner Joel Matip in the heart of the backline.
Should Jones not be risked from the first whistle, Ryan Gravenberch could hold his position as he aims to become the first Reds player since Steven Gerrard in 2008 to directly contribute to a goal in four successive European matches.
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Wataru Endo is also primed to come back in after capping off an impressive display against Toulouse two weeks ago with a goal, while Harvey Elliott should earn a recall to the midfield trident too.
Having shaken off a muscular concern, Ben Doak could offer Mohamed Salah a rest on the right-hand side, while Cody Gakpo and Luis Diaz who netted a dramatic equaliser in the fifth minute of added time at Kenilworth Road – could complete a new-look offence.
Liverpool possible starting lineup: Kelleher; Gomez, Matip, Quansah, Tsimikas; Elliott, Endo, Gravenberch; Doak, Gakpo, Diaz