Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is set to be without eight first-team players for the second leg of their EFL Cup semi-final against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Thursday.
The German's assistant coach Pep Lijnders revealed in his pre-match press conference that Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is ruled out after rolling his ankle in Sunday's 3-0 win in the Premier League against Brentford, but the former Gunners midfielder could be available for their game against Crystal Palace this weekend.
The absence of the 28-year-old will likely see Takumi Minamino brought back into the starting lineup, joining Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino in a three-man attack.
Divock Origi, who has missed Liverpool's last 10 games across all competitions with a knee injury, has been in training over the last week but Thursday's game will come too soon for the Belgium international.
Thiago Alcantara (hip), Nat Phillips (cheekbone fracture) and Harvey Elliott (ankle) all remain sidelined with injuries, while Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Naby Keita are all away on Africa Cup of Nations duty.
The same back four of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joel Matip, Virgil van Dijk and Andrew Robertson – who have all started the last two matches, including the first leg – could continue to shield goalkeeper Alisson Becker, though Ibrahima Konate and Kostas Tsimikas are both options for Klopp should he decide to freshen up his first XI.
Captain Jordan Henderson and Fabinho are expected to start in central midfield, with Curtis Jones or James Milner looking to join them; the former replaced the latter as a second-half substitute in the first leg.
Youngsters Kaide Gordon, Tyler Morton and Neco Williams could all be given first-team opportunities at the Emirates, but they are more likely to make an impact from the bench if required.
Liverpool possible starting lineup: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson; Henderson, Fabinho, Jones; Minamino, Firmino, Jota
> Click here to see how Arsenal could line up for this contest
Oliver Thomas
