Leaders Liverpool go to Chelsea on Sunday with no fresh injury worries but Divock Origi is unlikely to feature. The Reds sit top of the Premier League after picking up maximum points from five games and go to Stamford Bridge after a tough trip to Napoli in the Champions League on Tuesday when Jurgen Klopp’s side went down to a 2-0 defeat.
One positive from the loss in Naples was no fresh injury setbacks, although several first-team players remain absent. Goalkeeper Alisson (calf), midfielder Naby Keita (hip) are still out, while Origi is a major doubt after picking up an ankle injury last weekend against Newcastle.
Klopp says the striker is in pain but refused to completely rule him out of his plans for Sunday’s clash.
He said: “Div, we have to see day by day, that’s how it was from the first day – how can he deal with the pain and stuff like that. We will see. It is pretty early, so I don’t know exactly what the medical department will tell me [today] about that case.
“I think it’s unlikely [he will be fit for Chelsea] but why should I rule him out? But it’s unlikely.”
Meanwhile, Chelsea boss Frank Lampard says Mason Mount’s injury is not as bad as first feared and he “has a chance” of featuring against Liverpool.
The attacking midfielder has been a revelation so far this season, scoring three goals already for the Blues, but suffered an injury early on against Valencia in the Champions League defeat on Tuesday and was forced off.
He has recovered well, however, and could be fit for the weekend, while Lampard also said N’Golo Kante has recently returned to training following an ankle injury and is also in contention.
Tammy Abraham will start up front after an outstanding campaign so far. The young Englishman has hit seven goals, including a hat-trick in last Saturday’s 5-2 win at Wolves.
Christian Pulisic and Ross Barkley both started on the bench against Valencia and will be among those pushing for recalls for the home side.
COMMENTS