After a rare weekend off, Liverpool is back in Champions League action this week as it looks to defend its 100 per cent record against Girona.
The Reds head to Spain for Tuesday’s encounter knowing that another win should be enough to secure a top-eight finish and a place straight into the last-16. Arne Slot’s side is already guaranteed a spot in the extra play-off round at the very least, but avoiding that would benefit them massively – especially with the Merseyside derby at Everton to fit into the schedule now.
Liverpool will be big favorites against Girona, who are making their debut in Europe’s premier club competition. The Spanish side has won just one of their five Champions League outings so far, and faces a huge task if they’re to make it into the play-offs.
What’s more, the Reds could be boosted by the return of three players for Tuesday’s trip, with Alisson Becker, Diogo Jota and Federico Chiesa all potentially back in the reckoning.
All three players were pictured working with their teammates at the AXA Training Centre on Friday, while Chiesa played 60 minutes for the U21s during the week. Slot has confirmed they are drawing closer to their returns, with Girona a potential target for them.
It’s unlikely any of them will return to the starting line-up in Spain, although a place on the bench would represent significant progress as the Reds aim to get as many players back together for the busy festive period.
Alexis Mac Allister will miss the game against Girona through suspension
Alexis Mac Allister will miss the game against Girona through suspension (Image: Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Liverpool will definitely be without four players on Tuesday though, with Alexis Mac Allister serving a suspension after picking up his third yellow card of the competition against Real Madrid. In fact, the Argentine will miss the Reds’ next two games, with his Premier League suspension carrying over to Fulham at the weekend after yesterday’s postponement.
On the injury front, Ibrahima Konate and Conor Bradley remain out after picking up knocks against Real. The former was seen arriving on crutches for the game against Manchester City last weekend, so he doesn’t look likely to return for a while.
Kostas Tsimikas was also on crutches that night, although the left-back has been pictured back in his training kit at the training ground, so a return might not be too far off. Girona seems too soon for the Greek international though.