1 Aug 2016

Confirmed Team News (Liverpool/Roma): New injury blow; Klopp confirms 'exceptional' attacker 'will' play

After the encouraging 2-0 victory over AC Milan, Liverpool face another Serie A test tonight against Roma, and ahead of the game, the Reds have suffered yet another pre-season injury.

Pre-match team news:

* Joel Matip, Joe Gomez, and Lucas Leiva are all still injured and will miss the game.

* According to the Liverpool Echo: "Ovie Ejaria has been hit by injury...and will miss tomorrow’s clash with Roma".

* In his post-Milan press conference, Jurgen Klopp confirmed: “Danny Ings^ didn’t play tonight [vs Milan] but the next game he will be involved.”

* Klopp further added: "We have a little bit of a problem at centre-half, they always have to play and we have to see how we can find a solution for this game".

Re the centre-back situation - I personally don't see the problem. Andre Wisdom is available, so just start him and rest either Klavan or Lovren (for either the whole game, or one 45-minute half). It's only pre-season, so what's the issue?

A few other points:

* Sadio Mane is six games into his Liverpool career and he's yet to register a single goal or assist. Okay, it's only pre-season, but it's still a slight concern (IMO). That said, all that matters is that Mane delivers the goods in the Premier League.

* Giorgino Wijnaldum's debut = anti-climax. At times, I forgot he was even on the pitch. It's vitally important that Klopp gives Wijnaldum a specific, clearly defined role in the team; if that doesn't happen, and he's used as a utility man, the transfer will end up being a waste of time (IMO).

* Klavan looks like he has the potential to be a great signing. Calm and composed on the ball; defensively solid, and good distribution.

Possible team tonight:

----------------- Manninger
Randall ---- Klavan ---- Wisdom ----- Clyne
-------------- Hendo -- Grujic
Mane ----------- Wijnaldum ------- Coutinho
---------------- Sturridge

^ Hailed as 'exceptional' by James Milner


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