Liverpool Manager Jürgen Klopp explains explains why Mohamed Salah couldn’t start for Liverpool against Man City
Konate did not make the squad for this afternoon’s encounter after pulling out early in the second half of Thursday’s 5-1 thumping of Sparta Prague in the Europa League semifinals. In his place, Jarell Quansah and captain Virgil van Dijk get the start.
Conor Bradley starts the game on the right side of defence, while Andy Robertson and fellow left-back Kostas Tsimikas are on the bench. Joe Gomez starts on the left side of defence.
Wataru Endo remains as the holding midfielder, while Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister fill the two “No.8” positions up front.
Jurgen Klopp will be without up to ten first-team players for the pivotal match against City because to Konate’s absence. The following players are also not available: Ben Doak, Thiago Alcantara, Diogo Jota, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Curtis Jones, Ryan Gravenberch, Alisson Becker, Joel Matip, and Stefan Bajcetic.
In response to Salah’s recent injury issues, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp stated that the Reds “didn’t consider” deploying him right away.
He stated, “We didn’t even think about him starting the game,” in an interview with Sky Sports. We are able to learn. We have discussed this with Mo. It’s not that he returned too soon the last time; he was just unlucky in that regard. Starting him today was neither my or his idea. Although it wasn’t a major decision, it will be a tough game and we can bring him on, which is really cool.”
Liverpool: Elliott, Nunez, Diaz; Endo, Szoboszlai, Mac Allister; Bradley, Quansah, Van Dijk, Gomez; Kelleher.
