Liverpool have been hit by yet another injury at centre-back ahead of Sunday's Premier League showdown against Fulham, with Ozan Kabak the latest to be struck down.
Jurgen Klopp revealed in his pre-match press conference that the January arrival was struggling with a "little problem" in the wake of Thursday's defeat to Chelsea, which made it five straight home losses for Liverpool.
Klopp stopped short of ruling Kabak out entirely, but he did cast major doubt on his participation so it would be a surprise to see him involved this weekend.
Nat Phillips is expected to be back available after missing the Chelsea game with a slight back problem, though, and so he could be handed an immediate return to the starting XI.
Ben Davies is also pushing for inclusion at centre-back, but for now Klopp is expected to keep Fabinho at the heart of the defence despite acknowledging the temptation to move him into his more familiar midfield role once again.
At the other end of the pitch, Diogo Jota made his long-awaited return off the bench on Thursday night and looked sharp, so he could be in line for a start should Klopp deem him ready after so long on the sidelines.
Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino have both struggled for form of late and so could be in line to miss out if Jota does start, with Firmino's position seemingly most at threat right now.
It was Mohamed Salah who was notably hauled off after just over an hour against Chelsea, although he is still expected to start this game.
The Premier League's top scorer has a particularly good record at home against promoted opposition, scoring nine goals and creating six more in his 11 such matches.
Klopp may consider rotating his midfield with a Champions League second leg against RB Leipzig on the horizon, and the likes of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, James Milner and Naby Keita could benefit if he does so.
Liverpool possible starting lineup: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Phillips, Fabinho, Robertson; Thiago, Wijnaldum, Jones; Salah, Mane, Jota
> Click here to see how Fulham could line up for this contest
Video prediction
Watch the Sports Mole Football Shorts prediction for this game below:
No Data Analysis info
