Newcastle United are gearing up to face Liverpool in what is already being classed as one of the most important games of the Premier League season.
Having drawn their first game against Aston Villa, the hope is that the Magpies can get their first win of the season. However, they must do it against defending Premier League champions Liverpool.
While the game is one thing, there is a lot of tension between the two clubs due to off-field sagas this summer. Alexander Isak wants to join Liverpool and has taken it upon himself to push for that move in any way he can.
The relationship between Newcastle United and Liverpool fans has soured, and the feeling is that tempers could flare on the pitch on Monday night. Isak will not play for Newcastle, with Anthony Gordon most likely to fill in for the 25-year-old.
Newcastle’s game against Liverpool could also see the debuts of Jacob Ramsey and Malick Thiaw. The pair have signed over the last week and will be in contention for a place in the starting XI.
With the game fast approaching, we look at who is set to return to action for Liverpool and who will miss out.
Jeremie Frimpong looks on during a friendly between Liverpool and Athletic Bilbao.
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
Jeremie Frimpong is absent for Newcastle United vs Liverpool
Liverpool will have new signings like Hugo Ekitike, Florian Wirtz and Milos Kerkez at their disposal on Monday, but new signing Jeremie Frimpong is set to miss out after picking up a hamstring injury.
The £29.5m defender performed well on debut for the Reds against Bournemouth, using his attacking qualities well. However, Arne Slot will need to look to another player to fill in for the Dutchman.
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While one right-back misses out, another returns, as Slot confirmed that Conor Bradley is back in training, though it remains to be seen whether he will be fit enough for the Newcastle clash.
Elsewhere, Ryan Gravenberch missed the Bournemouth game due to a suspension which carried over from last season, but he will be available for the Reds on Monday.
While there is one confirmed absentee and another doubt, Liverpool will still be fielding an almost fully-fit squad for their trip to Tyneside.
Joe Willock unlikely to feature for Newcastle United despite return to training
Aside from Isak, there are no major concerns for Newcastle. Squad depth is looking good at the start of the new season, which is exactly what fans will want to hear after injury problems in recent campaigns.
The one injury problem which could have an impact on Howe’s matchday squad is Joe Willock. The midfielder missed the first game of the season after picking up a calf injury during a pre-season friendly in Korea.
However, Willock was spotted in Newcastle training this week, and Howe has since confirmed that he is doing well.
“Joe trained on Tuesday and Wednesday and trained really well,” Howe said in his pre-match press conference.
“When he went down in the game [in Korea] I thought he was going to be out longer term, it didn’t look good. Credit to him, he’s got back fit and looking good.”