23 Apr 2016

Confirmed Liverpool XI: 'Sensational' Brazilian benched; new injury woe? Defensive shocker as Klopp drops Sakho

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has rotated his team again for today's Premier League clash with Newcastle, and the biggest absentee is Mamadou Sakho, who missing due to failing a drugs test.

FULL TEAM: Mignolet, Randall, Toure, Lovren, Moreno, Stewart, Allen, Milner, Lallana, Firmino, Sturridge.

SUBS: Ward, Skrtel, Smith, Lucas, Coutinho, Ibe, Ojo.

* According to the LFC website: "UEFA are investigating a possible anti-doping rule violation by Mamadou Sakho. The club, in consultation with the player, has decided that the player will not be available for selection for matches [during the investigation".

* Hopefully, it's just a mistake by Sakho, and he'll be spared a lengthy ban. If not, then his season is probably over.

* Kolo Toure comes in to replace Sakho, which is a little ironic considering he received a 6-month ban in 2011 for failing a drugs test (!)

* Conor Randall gets another start at right back, with Clyne not in the squad, and presumably rested.

* What is going on with Jon Flanagan? He made the bench for the Everton game, but he's not in the matchday squad yet again, and he hasn't played in over a month. Is he injured again?

Probable formation:

------------- Mignolet
Randall -- Toure - Lovren -- Moreno
------ Stewart ---- Allen
Milner ------ Firmino ----- Lallana
------------- Sturridge

Author: Jaimie K


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