Liverpool have received a vital quadruple injury boost as they prepare to face Benfica in the Champions League quarterfinals.
A win in Portugal this evening would put Jürgen Klopp and his players in an extremely exciting position.
They’d have an advantage heading into the second leg at Anfield and that would give them the momentum needed to go into their game against Manchester City with confidence and belief.
Liverpool have a fully fit squad to choose from against Benfica
After Klopp briefed the media on Monday, it would appear as though Liverpool have a full squad for this vital stage of the season.
The manager confirmed that Naby Keita, who was absent for Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Watford, is back in contention while Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joel Matip and Curtis Jones are fit as well.
Speaking to his pre-match press conference for UEFA, the German said: “Yes, full squad available, absolutely.
“Curtis was just a little swelling, [it] disappeared then overnight, fine. Same with Joel, which is really helpful because it looked really strange. Yes, and Trent trained now four or five days, I’m not sure exactly, but yes, he is ready as well.”
Despite rumours that had been floating around social media, Naby Keita has been in full training and his availability will be crucial for Klopp in the run-in to rotate Thiago Alcantara to manage the Spaniard’s load.
🔴🎥 #LFC have a full squad travelling to 🇵🇹 for their #UCL quarter-final first leg clash with Benfica.
Naby Keita back in training and all the others there as well ⤵️pic.twitter.com/7lJbuakm4e
— Matt Addison (@MattAddison97) April 4, 2022
With one of them on the pitch, Liverpool have a heightened level of command over games and rarely seem at risk of throwing leads and so it’s great to have them both fit at the same time.
Liverpool will aim to secure a commanding lead in the first leg
Without appearing arrogant or dismissive of Benfica’s ability, Liverpool have been lucky to avoid some of the bigger teams in the draw and will be hoping to secure a commanding lead ahead of the quarter-final second leg.
There’s a quick turnaround between the two quarterfinals, with the second leg scheduled to take place next week Wednesday and so Kopites will soon learn whether or not the Reds will be in the Champions League semifinals this season.
Benfica’s form has been mixed of late, with two back-to-back wins in their most recent league games but in their last five, they have three wins, a draw and a defeat so they’re a mixed bag.
Third in Liga Nos behind Sporting Lisbon and Porto, the Reds’ opponents will be concerned about Liverpool’s firepower but Klopp will also be warning his players against complacency as it’s never more dangerous than in the first leg of a tie in Europe.