By Betsefy
Liverpool could be without as many as nine first-team players for Saturday’s Premier League clash with Arsenal following a damaging international break for the Reds.
Jurgen Klopp‘s squad had already been depleted by injuries before Jordan Henderson, Andrew Robertson, Sadio Mane and Divock Origi all suffered injury scares while away with their national teams.
Of those, captain Henderson is the biggest doubt, although Klopp refused to rule out the midfielder’s chances of recovering in time for this weekend’s game and he will continue to be assessed in the buildup to kickoff.
There should be better news regarding Origi, who has a dead leg, and Robertson, whose thigh issue is not serious, with both players expected to be available for selection.
Mane has also been passed fit despite suffering from a bruised rib, although Liverpool will still be missing a string of players, including Roberto Firmino.
The Brazilian is not expected back until next month, while Joe Gomez is also unlikely to feature before December and Harvey Elliott is a long-term absentee.
Curtis Jones suffered a freak eye injury during the international break but Klopp offered a positive update on his recovery, although his return date remains in the hands of doctors.
Saturday’s match will also come too soon for James Milner and Naby Keita, but they should be back in training next week and could be in contention for the visit of Porto on Wednesday.
Mohamed Salah came through the break unscathed and boasts nine direct goal contributions in nine Premier League games against Arsenal, so the division’s top scorer will fancy his chances of making a difference again.
Liverpool possible starting lineup: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson; Oxlade-Chamberlain, Fabinho, Thiago; Salah, Jota, Mane
