Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp received an injury boost ahead of the team’s Boxing Day fixture against Newcastle. The Reds have struggled with injuries in the last few weeks after Joel Matip and Joe Gomez went down with long-term injuries. However, Klopp will be relieved to have two key players available.
Liverpool get double injury boost
Right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold missed the last two league matches but has returned to training today. It is believed Alexander-Arnold will be fit to face Newcastle on Wednesday.
Alexander-Arnold suffered an ankle injury against Napoli in the Champions League. Nathaniel Clyne and James Milner filled in for Alexander-Arnold against Manchester United and Wolverhampton, respectively.
Midfielder Naby Keita was removed from Liverpool’s win against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Friday. Keita suffered both a foot and rib injury, but he is also expected to feature in Liverpool’s Boxing Day match. Keita isn’t a sure selection for Liverpool’s starting XI due to the amount of competition for places.
The Reds will face off against Arsenal and Manchester City in subsequent games. Klopp could keep Keita out of the starting XI to preserve him for the coming matchdays. Keita has been in good form in recent weeks.
Like Alexander-Arnold, Keita reported to Liverpool’s training session at Melwood on Monday. With both players coming back to fitness, Klopp has a number of options available at his disposal.
Liverpool have consecutive crucial fixtures
Liverpool have a crucial week and a half of their season upcoming and it will start against Newcastle. The Reds will play Arsenal at Anfield on Saturday before playing Manchester City at the Etihad on New Year’s Day.
The Reds have a four-point lead over Manchester City currently. Liverpool’s crucial week and a half could lead to them being further ahead in the table.
Liverpool have won just twice in six attempts against Newcastle. The Magpies have won twice during that time while the clubs have drawn twice. The Reds are undefeated in 29 straight home games in the Premier League.
