Liverpool were without 11 players as they beat Burnley 3-1 on Saturday to stay top of the Premier League. Alisson Becker and Joe Gomez missed the Reds’ win in a week with flu, while Jurgen Klopp confirmed Ryan remained an unused substitute after feeling something in the warm-up. Liverpool could be in serious trouble when they return to Brentford this weekend, with Trent Alexander-Arnold forced off at half-time with a recurrence of a knee injury sustained last month.
However, Ibrahima Konate is available to play after suspension and Conor Bradley could also return from sick leave. After making five substitutes against Burnley, he could bring the same versatility to the capital. With many players struggling to overcome injury and illness, the ECHO looks at the difference Klopp could make to his side against the Bees…With Alexander-Arnold questionable with a knee injury, Bradley is likely to resume his starting position when he is ready to return from medical leave.
If the Northern Irishman needs more time, the alternative is for Joe Gomez to overcome his illness.If fit, Gomez could be the starting left-back, with Andy Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas missing. But the Scot made his first appearance in four months after injuring his shoulder against Burnley and the Greek impressed after returning to the bench after breaking his collarbone.
Alisson Becker is also expected to start in goal if he overcomes illness, while Konate will return to centre-back following the suspension of Jarrell Cuansa. Elliot deserves to startAfter scoring twice against Burnley, Harvey Elliott may have reason to feel a little aggrieved if he is not rewarded with a start against Brentford.
Gravenberch was unused against the Clarets after feeling something in the warm-up and could also be a doubt to join the likes of Dominik Szoboszlai and Thiago Alcantara on the bench. So unless Klopp opts for Elliott, the midfield is likely to remain unchanged, with Alexis McAllister at No.8 and Wataru Endo at No.6. Curtis Jones started at right-back against Burnley after Alexander-Arnold’s injury, but will have to to wait until it returns to the peak.
Cody Gakpo seems to be the only alternative in midfield. Since joining the club, he has made four starts in the engine room, two of which came against an exciting Brentford side. Time will tell if Klopp wants to do it again.
