Jurgen Klopp may have to wait to get his wish of a Divock Origi homecoming, as the Belgian seems set to join Taiwo Awoniyi on Nottingham Forest’s absentee list for their visit to Liverpool.
Ahead of the Reds’ third home game in eight days, looking for as many wins, the boss outlined his desire to see Origi fit and ready to make the trip up to Anfield. The striker is on loan at Forest from AC Milan, this being the first opportunity to return since his 2022 exit. Unfortunately it appears it won’t happen in Sunday’s meeting as Steve Cooper confirmed the worst for his side.
“Nobody’s gonna return to the starting line-up for sure, which is a bit of a frustration,” the former Reds’ academy manager explained to the press on Friday. “Particularly at the top end of the pitch as we’re not blessed with options at the moment.”
As well as Origi, who was sidelined with a hip problem prior to Forest’s 2-2 draw with Luton Town, this statement covers the fitness of Callum Hudson-Odoi and another ex-Liverpool striker, Taiwo Awoniyi. Any player of such a nature, even with minimal impact during his spell on Merseyside like the Nigerian, would receive a warm welcome from the Anfield faithful, though his absence could be of more comfort given the fact he netted a winner against Klopp’s men at the City Ground last season.
The final man adding to Cooper’s attacking worries is the influential Anthony Elanga, who has suffered from illness this week following his two assists last weekend. “He will be touch and go for the game,” the opposition manager confirmed.
Other players who have missed large chunks of the current Premier League campaign are midfielder Danilo plus defenders Gonzalo Montiel, Nuno Tavares and Felipe. All have now returned to training, although Cooper explained how he was in no rush to risk their reintegration sooner than necessary. The major boost for the visitors will be Ibrahim Sangare and Willy Boly’s return to full fitness. Much like Alexis Mac Allister in September, the duo suffered from fatigue after arriving back late from international duty this month and were impacted in their last outing.
