“It’s probably the first time” – Klopp handed rare boost vs. Fulham

Liverpool midfielders fit - images by Liverpoolfc.com

Jurgen Klopp will have every possible midfield option at his disposal in Sunday’s clash with Fulham at Anfield.

Liverpool resume their unbeaten start to the Premier League season against the 20th-placed Cottagers in what will be the final game before the international break.

The contest beckons as a valuable chance to mount a response to Tuesday’s dismal performance and 2-0 defeat away to Red Star Belgrade in the Champions League.

In their bid to do so, the Reds will be boosted by the return of both Jordan Henderson and Naby Keita following their respective injury layoffs.

Their availability will gift Klopp welcomed midfield flexibility, with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain the only senior absentee as he continues his rehabilitation from a long-term knee injury.

Klopp told Liverpoolfc.com: “It’s good to have them back, it’s probably the first time that all midfield players apart from Ox are available.”

“That’s then another thing to do, making decisions, who starts with who, stuff like that. It’s all about then fitness level, form, shape, whatever and then we will see.”

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Summer signing Fabinho could be in line for another appearance after remaining an unused substitute in the defeat to Belgrade.

The Brazilian struggled in last weekend’s draw with Arsenal at the Emirates and will be relishing another opportunity to continue his adjustment to English football.

Whilst Keita offers the potential to inject a much-needed attacking spark into Liverpool’s midfield, Henderson could prove key in rediscovering some urgency on the ball as a means of speeding up his side’s transition between the lines.

The skipper was dearly missed in the last two outings, with the value of his intensity and willingness to take responsibility on the ball shining through.

Fresh options means the midweek trio of Georginio Wijnaldum, James Milner and Adam Lallana is likely to be split up, with the latter having looked off the pace.

Xherdan Shaqiri can also be deemed a midfield option for Klopp having impressed when deployed as a central playmaker this season.