Liverpool Team News: Injuries, suspensions and line-up vs Tottenham

Melissa Reddy

Liverpool Team News: Injuries, suspensions and line-up vs Tottenham image

Liverpool travel to Tottenham on Sunday with the intention of building on their attacking rejuvenation at Maribor and extending Mauricio Pochettino's winless record against them as Spurs boss.

Reds 9/4 for victory

Jurgen Klopp's side scorched the Slovenians 7-0 on Tuesday night and their opponents this weekend also claimed an impressive result in the Champions League, drawing 1-1 at Real Madrid.

And the Reds will be boosted by the fact that Spurs have failed to record a Premier League victory in this fixture in their last nine attempts.


LIVERPOOL INJURIES


Despite a timeframe of up to six weeks of recovery for Sadio Mane, Senegal have included the speedster in their squad for the World Cup qualifiers against South Africa on November 10 and 14.

“In my mind, there is no doubt he will be with us for the double-header and that he will be 100 per cent fit,” manager Aliou Cisse said.

“Until now, he has just been doing some individual training - running in straight lines.

Sadio Mane main

“But from next week, he is going to train harder and start working with the ball.”

Klopp countered that saying: “I don’t know how he can know because I don’t know. Sadio is still in rehab, that’s how it is. He is indoor and has not done any exercises outside so that’s the situation in the moment. If he’s fit earlier, I would be really happy, but nobody knows in this moment."

Adam Lallana

Adam Lallana, meanwhile, is expected to be available again after the international break next month as he overcomes a thigh injury.

"It's absolutely good news. I cannot say now, but maybe after the next international break he could be back," Klopp said of the England international.

"It would be fantastic for us, of course. Everybody knows what kind of a quality player he is."

Lallana returned to Melwood on Monday to continue his rehabilitation after spending time at the esteemed Aspire clinic in Qatar. 

Nathaniel Clyne is still trying to shrug off a back problem.


LIVERPOOL SUSPENSIONS


Neither side have any suspension worries for this fixture.


LIVERPOOL POTENTIAL STARTING LINE-UP


As was the case in midweek, there should be limited alterations for the Reds with Klopp feeling rhythm is crucial as they ensure results match their performances. 

James Milner made the most of a rare start at Maribor, acting as the chief passer in midfield to set the tempo and advance Liverpool's attacking play. 

He replaced captain Jordan Henderson, who was rested, and it would be unfortunate if he again had to settle for substitute status. 

Gini Wijnaldum has started five of the last six matches across all competitions and Sunday could be an opportunity to allow him a break, with Milner coming in.

GFX Liverpool Possible XI v Tottenham

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain opened his Liverpool account at the Stadion Ljudski vrt and got another important cameo, which "will open his chest... it will help him a lot" according to Klopp as he waits on a run-out from the off in the league.

Elsewhere, the German will restore Simon Mignolet in goal for Loris Karius while Joe Gomez will be pushing for a return at right-back. 

Andy Robertson, who last started in the League Cup defeat at Leicester, is expected to miss out on the opposite flank with Alberto Moreno continuing after his fine recent run of form.


TOTTENHAM TEAM NEWS


Spurs have not suffered defeat across all competitions since August 20, being typically uncharitable at the back while Harry Kane punishes the opposition at the other end.

The striker has been responsible for 50% of his side's goals in the league and on the continent this season and Liverpool will look to restrict the supply to him, which they have done well in recent encounters.

Harry Kane Tottenham 2017

Pochettino is an advocate of "not losing identity" - and especially in the bigger games - and Tottenham will not abandon their aggressive approach against the Reds. 

That, however, has encouraged the strengths of the Merseysiders - of the last 25 goals scored in top-flight meetings between the teams, 21 have been scored by Sunday's visitors.

Squad-wise, Danny Rose played the final minutes at the Bernabeu after nearly 10 months on the sidelines with a knee injury, while Mousa Dembele trained with the team in Madrid.

Georges-Kevin Nkoudou (concussion), Ben Davies (ill), Erik Lamela (hips) and Victor Wanyama (knee) were all unavailable on Tuesday, with Dele Alli serving the final match of a three-game European ban.


BEST OPTA MATCH FACTS


  • Liverpool are unbeaten in their last four away league games against Spurs (W2 D2), conceding just one goal in that time and netting nine themselves.

  • After winning his first two meetings with Liverpool in March and September 2013 with Southampton, Mauricio Pochettino has failed to win any of his subsequent seven Premier League games against the Reds (D3 L4). Only against Chelsea (5) has he lost more Premier League games than versus Liverpool (4).

  • Harry Kane hasn’t scored in either of his Premier League home appearances against Liverpool (173 mins) – the only side he’s faced more often without finding the net at home in the competition is Crystal Palace (three apps, 269 mins).


TV COVERAGE & KICK-OFF TIME


Kick off is at 16:00 BST and the match will be televised live in the UK on Sky Sports Main Event 

Melissa Reddy

Melissa Reddy Photo