How Liverpool could line up against Arsenal

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp could be boosted by the return of Thiago Alcantara to the matchday squad for Sunday's Premier League showdown with Arsenal at Anfield.

The Spanish lynchpin has sat out the Reds' last 10 games with a hip problem, but he made his return to full training on Thursday alongside Virgil van Dijk, who was absent from Tuesday's draw with Chelsea due to illness.

Luis Diaz has the slimmest of chances of making his comeback from knee surgery here, but next weekend's clash with Leeds United is seen as a more likely date for his return, while Stefan Bajcetic (adductor), Naby Keita (muscle) and Calvin Ramsay (knee) are all sidelined.

Even if Thiago is given the green light to play, Klopp may be hesitant to throw the injury-plagued Spaniard back in from the first whistle, especially with a fresh-legged Harvey Elliott expected to be back in the fold.

The 20-year-old's absence against Chelsea was reportedly due to his workload being managed, so he could now force his way back in alongside Fabinho and Jordan Henderson.

Darwin Nunez ought to be the only member of Tuesday's frontline to hold his place, as Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo push Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino back down to the bench.

Van Dijk's return should also mean an immediate demotion for Joel Matip, as Ibrahima Konate continues to protect Alisson Becker in between the sticks.

The well-rested pairing of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andrew Robertson can also look forward to quick returns to the first XI, as Joe Gomez and Kostas Tsimikas make way.

Liverpool possible starting lineup: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Henderson, Fabinho, Elliott; Salah, Gakpo, Nunez

> Click here to see how Arsenal could line up for this clash