Jurgen Klopp has ruled out the idea of resting Mohamed Salah for Liverpool’s game with Brighton this weekend, claiming it would be “a crime” to do so.
Salah is the Premier League’s top goalscorer, with 10 goals in nine Premier League appearances so far this season, including a historic hat-trick at Manchester United last weekend.
And he will be key again on Saturday when Liverpool host Brighton at Anfield, looking to maintain an unbeaten run which stretches back 22 games in all competitions.
What did Klopp say about Salah?
Asked in his pre-match press conference whether there was any temptation to rest Salah with a Champions League game against Atletico Madrid, and then a tricky trip to West Ham, on the horizon, Klopp recoiled in mock astonishment
He replied: “So, forget pretty much the first part of your questioncompletely, please! To rest players against Brighton? That would be a crime!
“Brighton are much too good. They had a brilliant start, yes maybe the results recently not so much, but it is a real special game in the league.
“If you didn’t watch the game back, watch the [Manchester] City game again and you will understand what I am talking about.”
On Salah specifically, he added: “Yes, Mo wants to play every minute. He never did yet, but he wants to!
“They all want to play every game. And when I leave them out, it is never the game they want to be rested in. That’s how it is."
Who is likely to play for Liverpool against Brighton?
Klopp had earlier revealed that midfielder Naby Keita was fit to feature in Saturday’s game, despite being stretchered off against Manchester United.
Keita suffered heavy bruising to his shin following a tackle from Paul Pogba, for which the Frenchman was shown a red card, but trained as normal on Thursday and should be part of the Liverpool squad against Brighton.
Fabinho, though, is likely to miss the game with a knee issue. The Brazilian has not trained with the team this week and will not be risked this weekend.
Thiago, too, may miss out despite returning to training following a calf problem, with Klopp suggesting the Reds will be cautious with the Spanish international.
James Milner is ruled out with a hamstring injury sustained at Old Trafford, while Harvey Elliott (ankle) is a long-term casualty.
Further reading
- Ballon d'Or 2021 Power Rankings: Why Salah's form won't be enough to win this year's prize
- Salah's private penalty conversation with Foster revealed
- 'Like velociraptors in Jurassic Park!' - Salah-led Liverpool attack compared to dinosaurs
