Liverpool were left without 11 players when they beat Burnley 3-1 on Saturday to maintain their lead at the top of the Premier League table.
Alisson Becker and Joe Gomez missed the victory following a flu outbreak in the Reds squad during the week, while Jurgen Klopp confirmed that Ryan Gravenberch was left as an unused substitute after feeling something in the warm-up.
With Trent Alexander-Arnold forced off at half-time with a recurrence of his knee injury suffered last month, Liverpool could be down to the bare bones when they return to action away at Brentford next weekend.
However, Ibrahima Konate will be available following suspension, while Conor Bradley could also return from compassionate leave. Having made five changes against Burnley, he could make just as many in the capital. And with a number of players looking to overcome injury and illness, the ECHO takes a look at the changes Klopp could make to his side against the Bees…
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Big changes at the back
With Alexander-Arnold an injury doubt because of that knee injury, Bradley could reclaim his starting place if he is ready to return from compassionate leave. If the Northern Irishman needs more time, then Joe Gomez is the alternative should he overcome illness.
If fit, Gomez is also a contender to start at left-back, having shone in the role in the absence of Andy Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas. However, the Scot was impressive when making his first start in four months after a dislocated shoulder against Burnley, while the Greek made his return from a broken collarbone off the bench.
Alisson Becker will start in goal if he too overcomes illness, while Konate will return at centre-back following suspension at the expense of Jarell Quansah.
Elliott earns a start
After setting up two goals off the bench against Burnley, Harvey Elliott could have reason to feel a little aggrieved if he is not rewarded with a start against Brentford.
With Gravenberch left unused against the Clarets after feeling something in the warm-up, he could be a doubt and join the likes of Dominik Szoboszlai and Thiago Alcantara on the bench.
Consequently, if Klopp doesn’t turn to Elliott, then the midfield could well remain unchanged with Alexis Mac Allister stationed as a number eight and Wataru Endo at number six. Curtis Jones finished the win over at Burnley at right-back following Alexander-Arnold’s injury, but should expect to return to his favoured position.
Cody Gakpo is seemingly the only other available senior alternative to line up in midfield. He has started four times in the engine-room since joining the club, with two of them curiously coming against Brentford. Time will tell if that is something Klopp wishes to re-visit.
Mo makes the matchday squad?
Mohamed Salah could return to the matchday squad against Brentford, should he successfully return to team training this week. The Egyptian has been sidelined with a hamstring injury suffered at the Africa Cup of Nations on January 18, and had been ruled out for three to four weeks.
Closing in on that four-week mark, the forward will perhaps be limited to substitute action if he is indeed fit enough to step up his recovery.
Diogo Jota, Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez all scored against Burnley and will be hopeful of keeping their starting berths. If Klopp does leave his front three unchanged, then Gakpo will join Salah on the bench as attacking options in reserve.
Olivia Martin is a dedicated sports journalist based in the UK. With a passion for various athletic disciplines, she covers everything from major league championships to local sports events, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis.
