Jurgen Klopp has confirmed that Ozan Kabak, James Milner, Naby Keita and Ben Davies are all unavailable for Liverpool’s trip to Old Trafford in the Premier League.
When asked if the aforementioned players will be unavailable again for Liverpool when they meet Manchester United this evening, he responded: “Yes.
“We train from time to time and you cannot just put a boy on the pitch if he’s not in the shape for that in that moment – you have to find another solution.
“Rhys, for example, is now in a really good moment and that helps obviously. Who we will line up, we will see.”
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – MAY 08: Jurgen Klopp, Manager of Liverpool celebrates victory with Rhys Williams of Liverpool after the Premier League match between Liverpool and Southampton at Anfield on May 08, 2021 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Phil Noble – Pool/Getty Images)
Manchester United have nothing to play for in the Premier League after City won the title when the Red Devils were defeated by Leicester City. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side cannot catch up even if Pep Guardiola’s men somehow fail to pick up a single point.
The Utd boss will be without his own starters when they host at Old Trafford this evening and the game is set to be a thrilling encounter. While the home side might not be able to achieve anything more in the league, they will be buoyed by the possibility of thwarting Liverpool’s Champions League hopes.
The Reds are currently seven points outside the top four with Chelsea occupying the final qualification spot. Thomas Tuchel was bested by Mikel Arteta on Wednesday evening and this has given Liverpool a glimmer of hope.
If they drop another point in their remaining two games and Klopp can guide his side to four straight wins, they will be able to secure Champions League football at Anfield for the fourth consecutive season.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – MARCH 11: A general view of the Shankly Gates as the sun goes down ahead of the UEFA Champions League round of 16 second leg match between Liverpool FC and Atletico Madrid at Anfield on March 11, 2020 in Liverpool, United Kingdom. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
It’s imperative that Liverpool take their chances in the first half because recently, the Reds have squandered several first-half opportunities before being held to 1-1 draws by Leeds and Newcastle.
A single point simply isn’t good enough for Klopp and his players. It would be amazing to see United hammered by Liverpool but I’d take a scrappy 1-0 win.
