A Liverpool player was not seen practising this afternoon in preparation for tomorrow’s game against Toulouse.
It appears like Liverpool will be missing two midfield options for their Europa League trip to Toulouse on Wednesday.
With a victory, the Reds will have the opportunity to advance to the competition’s knockout rounds, and it appears like manager Jurgen Klopp may rotate his team.
But according to today’s YouTube live broadcast of Liverpool’s afternoon practise, the manager won’t be able to rely on Curtis Jones or Ryan Gravenberch.
Jones was listed as having a “minor fitness issue,” which prevented him from playing in Sunday’s draw against Luton Town. Even while it might not be much, it appears to be enough to keep him out of tomorrow’s match. On Wednesday, the 22-year-old was not seen in action at the AXA.
Gravenberch, whose absence might raise a little more anxiety, wasn’t either. The Dutchman started on Sunday, and even though he was finally replaced, there didn’t seem to be a problem with his fitness.
We’ll have to wait and see what Jurgen has to say when he speaks to the press later today. However, this doesn’t seem good for these two going into Thursday’s game.
Liverpool’s midfield is depleted.
Jones and Gravenberch missing tomorrow’s game will put a bit more pressure on Klopp to choose his starting lineup.
The management may manage without Stefan Bajcetic and Thiago Alcantara gone already.
It was last month that Klopp called Gregory “incredible” in the match against the opposition tomorrow. His potential is beginning to emerge.
Conversely, Jones persists in his inconsistent availability. The Scouser has performed admirably when called upon, but he simply cannot remain healthy for a meaningful stretch of games. Regretfully, it has thus far been a recurring trend in his senior career.
Klopp will probably start Harvey Elliott, Wataru Endo, and Alexis Mac Allister in a three-man lineup in their absence.
Given that Mac Allister is suspended for the game against Brentford on Sunday, it’s possible that Elliott and Endo will be asked to play again this weekend with Dominick Szoboszlai.
On paper, it is OK. However, it also leaves Liverpool with very little in reserve.
Hopefully, Gravenberch and Jones get the rest they require and return to contributing as soon as possible.
