Key trio working to be fit for Palace start
Lucas Leiva, Joel Matip and Ragnar Klavan have been working hard in order to try and be available for selection for tomorrow’s game against Crystal Palace. All three were back in first team training on Friday, but all trained away from the main group with specialist rehab staff. Matip and Lucas were both suffering from “muscle problems” picked up during the trip to West Brom, while Klavan missed the tie completely with a knee problem. It was expected that Joe Gomez would partner Dejan Lovren on Sunday, but the news today suggests that one, if not both, of the centre backs should be available. With injuries already troubling Liverpool’s central midfield, it would be excellent news if Lucas was fit enough to start.
Legal action being considered over Sakho drugs ban
Liverpool officials are said to be “considering their options” as rumours suggest that they considering legal action regarding Mamadou Sakho’s 30-day drugs ban last season. Last July, after the defender had served his ban, UEFA dismissed the case and this week have blamed the World Anti-Doping Agency for the whole farce. The Frenchman tested positive for higenamine, a drug that UEFA say shouldn’t have caused a positive result as it wasn’t on the banned list. Sakho was absent for the end of the 2015/16 season which included the Europa League final defeat to Sevilla. We can only speculate what difference Sakho would’ve made, but the current standing of the club could be a lot different today. Sakho will not feature for Crystal Palace tomorrow due to being ineligible to face his parent club.
Liverpool hunt for bargain left-back
The Reds are apparently close to signing Hull City left-back Andy Robertson, for a reported fee of £8million. The position is one that is expected to be filled during the summer, as Jürgen Klopp seeks to bring in a replacement for Alberto Moreno, who is set to be leaving Anfield during the window. Robertson has been one of the few standout performers for Hull this season, and with the Tigers close to relegation this season, the Scot would be keen to remain in the top flight. His fee would hardly make a dent in the £150million transfer kitty which is likely to be handed to Klopp this summer.
The Ox could be hard to move
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain wants to remain at The Emirates next season and has his heart set on winning trophies for Arsenal. The 23-year-old winger is a major transfer target for Liverpool and they were expected to lead the chase for the £35million valuated player. However, this latest development means that Oxlade-Chamberlain could be harder to tempt away from his current club than previously anticipated.