Liverpool saw Diogo Jota return to action midweek after his injury but it was hardly the ideal game for the Portugal forward to be eased back into. Against Crystal Palace at Anfield later today, the Reds will be hoping for a very different performance.
Trent Alexander-Arnold and Stefan Bajčetić were both on the bench on Thursday but Jürgen Klopp said neither had a realistic chance of coming onto the pitch — they were there simply because the number of substitutes allowed to be named in European games is larger than in domestic games.
For that reason, it remains to be seen whether either will be involved in the matchday squad against Oliver Glasner’s side. Bajčetić played half an hour for Liverpool’s U21s on Friday against Manchester United and looked sharp but the Reds will take no risks with the young Spaniard after he has spent so much time sidelined this season.
Alisson Becker is nearing a return but exactly when he will come back remains to be seen. Caoimhín Kelleher is likely to be needed again as the Brazilian continues to get himself ready. He was in parts of team training last week and Klopp could give another update as to where he is at with his recovery during his post-match press conference.
The only other players who are out are Thiago Alcântara, Joël Matip and Ben Doak. Thiago and Matip, who are both out of contract at the end of the season, are unlikely to play again before the campaign is over. They are both recovering from long-term injuries and have been out for months.
