Liverpool's English defender Nathaniel Phillips (L) tackles Crystal Palace's Ivorian striker Wilfried Zaha during the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Crystal Palace at Anfield stadium, in Liverpool, north west England on August 15, 2022. - - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Liverpool could have more than handled Joel Matip’s absence with the option of Ibrahima Konate waiting in the wings fresh from his injury return.
It will not have suited the Reds well to hear of a minor muscle concern for the Frenchman ahead of potentially their biggest game of the season.
The former RB Leipzig star could yet still start the contest at Anfield, though, knowing the hosts’ track record it seems plausible that no risks will be taken while the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold and the Cameroonian remain out of action, leaving Nat Phillips (on only 63 Premier League minutes this term) to partner Virgil van Dijk.
READ MORE: Nat Phillips starts v Manchester City as four changes made – predicted Liverpool team news
It’s perhaps just as plausible that James Milner will occupy our No.66’s right-back spot to allow the comparatively more assured No.2 to start in the heart of the backline.
However, we imagine that our coaching team might balk at the idea of the 36-year-old starting given the ongoing concerns we’ve had in that general area.
Jurgen Klopp will have to get this one decision absolutely spot-on if we are to have any hope of taking home the lion’s share of the spoils in a game that could very well define our league campaign.
Exclusive: Liverpool keeping a close eye on four Galatasaray talents as European scouts flock to Istanbul
