Liverpool XI vs Bayer Leverkusen: Confirmed team news, predicted lineup and injury latest for Champions League

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·4 de noviembre de 2024

Liverpool XI vs Bayer Leverkusen: Confirmed team news, predicted lineup and injury latest for Champions League

Arne Slot is without several senior players for Anfield clash

Liverpool have been handed a major injury boost for Tuesday's Champions League clash against Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen.

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Ibrahima Konate is available for selection after he took to social media on Sunday to allay any injury fears after he was forced off at half-time against Brighton.

The defender had used his shirt as a makeshift sling to support his left arm after he came off worse from a clash at a corner.

However, Arne Slot said at his pre-match press conference: "He's available to play.

“I think he's completely recovered so he can play. Then it's up to me to make the decision if he plays or not. He's in a good place."

Joe Gomez and Jarell Quansah are on standby but it's likely that Konate partners Virgil van Dijk at the heart of defence, as Liverpool go in search of a fourth straight win in the league phase that should all-but confirm a knockout round play-off place at a minimum.

With Liverpool manager Arne Slot already confirming Alisson Becker, Diogo Jota and Federico Chiesa won't feature before the November international break, Caoimhin Kelleher is expected to continue in goal despite Vitezslav Jaros' heroics against Brighton in the Carabao Cup last week,

There is a decision to be made at left-back as Konstantinos Tsimikas impressed at the weekend while Andy Robertson watched on from the bench. Considering the threat Leverkusen pose down their right-hand side, it wouldn't be a surprise if the Greece international gets the nod.

Alexis Mac Allister came off early against Brighton but should be fine to continue alongside Ryan Gravenberch in central midfield, while Curtis Jones could get the nod over Dominik Szoboszlai in the No10 role after giving a good account of himself as a substitute against Brighton.

Curtis Jones is pushing for a recall to the Liverpool lineup against Bayer Leverkusen.

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In attack, Mohamed Salah is an automatic starter, while Jota's continued absence coupled with Slot's preference to play with a natural striker is good news for Darwin Nunez, who can look to build on his goal against RB Leipzig on matchday three.

Cody Gakpo has scored three goals in two appearances against Brighton over the past week and that should be enough to earn another start on the left-hand side of Liverpool's attack at the expense of Luis Diaz.

Predicted Liverpool XI (4-2-3-1): Kelleher; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, van Dijk, Tsimikas; Mac Allister, Gravenberch; Salah, Jones, Gakpo; Nunez

Time and date: 8pm GMT on Tuesday 5 November, 2024.

Venue: Anfield

Out: Alisson (hamstring), Jota (rib), Chiesa (fitness), Elliott (foot)