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Liverpool and Arne Slot will be left to deal with the shock waves from Mohamed Salah’s explosive interview as they look to get back on track in the Champions League.
The Reds are in Italy as they take on Inter Milan today at the San Siro, aiming to boost their hopes of finishing in the top eight of the league phase. Having already suffered two defeats in Europe this season, including a humiliating defeat to PSV Eindhoven last time out, Liverpool has plenty of work to do in its remaining three games before the knockout stages.
There is a backdrop of ongoing turmoil within the dressing room though after Salah’s outburst at the weekend, which won’t make things any easier.
Having vented his frustrations at the club and Slot, the 33-year-old has been left back on Merseyside, with doubts now lingering over whether he may have already played his final game as a Liverpool player.
The immediate concern for Slot though will be how Salah’s absence leaves the Reds short for today’s game. With Cody Gakpo missing through injury and Federico Chiesa ill, the Dutchman’s options in attack are severely lacking.
Just 19 players have made the trip over to Milan, with Slot handed little choice with his side tonight, although there is one big decision he should make.
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In a season filled with mistakes, Ibrahima Konate’s ridiculous decision to slide in and give a penalty away against Leeds when Liverpoool was looking comfortable has to be the final straw.
The defender simply cannot continue in the sort of form he has been showing. Options to replace him are limited, but if Joe Gomez is fit enough for more than just a cameo, he must start in place of the Frenchman.
Elsewhere, Alisson Becker starts as usual in goal, with Conor Bradley and Virgil van Dijk retaining their spots in the back four. Playing at the San Siro calls for some nous and experience, so Andy Robertson can come back in at left-back in place of Milos Kerkez.
In midfield, it’s a question of whether Alexis Mac Allister or Curtis Jones starts alongside Ryan Gravenberch. It might be a little harsh to drop the latter, but given just how depleted the squad is, he might offer a bit more versatility from the bench if needed, so Mac Allister starts.
Without Salah, Dominik Szoboszlai continues on the right, and we might get another chance to see the trio of Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak all starting together.
Considering the only other option in attack is 17-year-old Rio Ngumoha, it feels inevitable that those three will get the nod. If ever there was a time for Isak and Wirtz to find some form, now would be ideal.
Liverpool predicted line-up vs Inter Milan: Alisson; Bradley, Gomez, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Szoboszlai, Wirtz, Ekitike; Isak.
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