4 hours ago
18
Liverpool will be missing at least one player when it travels to take on Newcastle United at St James' Park on Monday, with Arne Slot and Eddie Howe having offered the latest on their roster's fitness ahead of the game.
Jeremie Frimpong is set to be absent until after the September international break with the hamstring injury that he sustained while playing against Bournemouth a week ago. The Dutchman came off in the second half at Anfield and is now set for a spell on the sidelines.
Joe Gomez is not injured anymore — and he made a comeback against Bournemouth when he emerged off the bench — but he is not necessarily ready to play the full 90 minutes.
And Conor Bradley has not fully taken part in training yet after returning from an issue of his own. It is unfortanate not to be able to rely on all three right-back options, with Dominik Szoboszlai arguably the leading contender to fill in.
Ryan Gravenberch, who was suspended against Bournemouth, will return to the starting XI. Alexis Mac Allister is also another step closer to full fitness after he played 72 minutes against the Cherries.
As for Newcastle, Joe Willock will have a late fitness test but is on the way back from an injury he sustained during pre-season. The midfielder has already trained a couple of times this week.
The only other player set to miss out for Newcastle is wantaway striker Alexander Isak. "There's been no change," Eddie Howe said. "He won't be part of the squad for this weekend's game."
Howe was then pressed further on the situation. "The club has to act in the best interests of Newcastle United," he added. "It will do that in every situation."
Earlier in the week, Isak accused Newcastle of breaking promises made to him heading into the summer. That looked like a desperate move to force through an exit with less than two weeks of the summer window remaining.
"[Isak's social media statement] was a sad moment," Howe said. "My preference is that these things do not happen publicly. They are better dealt with behind closed doors.
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
"But needs must (re Newcastle's statement in response). The club has spoken, and justifiably so in that moment. He’s contracted to us. He’s our player.
"My wish is that he would be playing on Monday night with us. He won’t be, and that’s regrettable at this moment. But 100 per cent, I want him back in a Newcastle shirt.
"It is disappointing I am having to mention this at length and taking us away from the football. The players have done well to blank it all out. But it is there in the background, and it is regrettable that we are in this situation."
Liverpool.com says: It should be a great game between two good teams on Monday. Last year's fixture finished 3-3, so the precedent is there for there being plenty of goals.
English (US) ·