Liverpool are set to make several alterations to their starting lineup as they prepare to host Atletico Madrid at Anfield in their upcoming Champions League fixture, with the manager hinting at recalls for key defensive personnel following the club's recent Premier League outing.
Jeremy Frimpong is expected to return to the side after being left out of the matchday squad during Liverpool's trip to Portman Road. The Dutch full-back had been singled out by the manager in a post-match interview, where he indicated that both Frimpong and Ronald Araujo would be required to start in certain fixtures moving forward. That comment appears to point toward a recall for Frimpong at right-back for the visit of the Spanish side.
Araujo, meanwhile, could be deployed in a more central defensive role alongside Virgil van Dijk. That shift would come with Jeremy Jacquet not yet considered fully fit to complete matches, having already been substituted in Liverpool's opening two Premier League games this season and appearing to struggle physically by the end of the most recent fixture.
In midfield, there could be a return for Ryan Gravenberch, who may be preferred over Alexis MacAllister to re-establish his partnership with Dominik Szoboszlai. Young midfielder Trey Nyoni is also said to be pushing for a starting role after a string of impressive substitute appearances this season.
Up front, Alexander Isak looks set to lead the line once again after being withdrawn just past the hour mark in Liverpool's last league outing. The Swedish forward had scored twice in that match, marking his first brace since joining the Reds. It remains uncertain whether his developing partnership with Cody Gakpo will be maintained, or whether Bradley Barcola or Rio Ngumoha will be given the nod instead. Gakpo has enjoyed a strong start to the campaign, contributing one goal and three assists across his opening appearances.
Florian Wirtz is expected to continue operating in his advanced central role, with the German playmaker increasingly viewed as a pivotal figure under Liverpool's new manager. Wataru Endo has not been included in the club's Champions League squad list for the competition, while Victor Munoz could be given a rest for this fixture.
On the injury front, Liverpool remain without Leoni, Bradley and Ekitike, all sidelined through injury. Federico Chiesa and Joe Gomez are considered doubts for the match, while Endo remains unavailable due to his absence from the European squad list.
The predicted Liverpool lineup reads: Alisson; Kerkez, Van Dijk, Araujo, Frimpong; Szoboszlai, Gravenberch; Wirtz; Ngumoha, Gakpo, Isak.
The Champions League fixture against Atletico Madrid is scheduled to kick off at 8pm BST at Anfield, with coverage available live on TNT Sports.
Based on reporting from Standard Football.