Liverpool will be without at least three players for their clash with Newcastle, with Arne Slot facing a tough decision over who to turn to at right-back.
The Reds can keep up their momentum after a 4-2 win over Bournemouth on opening night as they head to St James’ Park for an 8pm kickoff.
But while the champions have had over a week to prepare for their second game of the league season, Slot has done so without both of his established right-back options.
Here is who is set to miss out vs. Newcastle:
Slot’s obvious issue comes at right-back, with Bradley not yet fully fit and Frimpong ruled out until after the international break.
Added to that there is no guarantee Joe Gomez will be able to start having seen his training load managed during the week.
However, Liverpool are boosted by the return of Ryan Gravenberch after he sat out the Premier League opener due to suspension.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Monday, August 4, 2025: Liverpool's Dominik Szoboszlai during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Athletic Bilbao at Anfield. Liverpool won 3-2. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
In the absence of his natural right-back options and with doubts over Gomez’s fitness, Slot could turn to either Dominik Szoboszlai or Wataru Endo at right-back.
“We only have at the moment two injuries, unfortunately it’s two for the same position,” the head coach told reporters on Thursday.
“But the good thing is that some others can play in that position as well: Wata played in that position for a few minutes, Dominik Szoboszlai already played in that position.
“So there are other options we can explore. Joe Gomez is definitely one of them, but for him to play 20 minutes [against Bournemouth] was already quite a lot.”
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Friday, August 15, 2025: Liverpool's Andy Robertson applauds the supporters after the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and AFC Bournemouth at Anfield. Liverpool won 4-2. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Slot could make other changes elsewhere, with it possible he turns to Andy Robertson over Milos Kerkez at left-back.
The flexibility of Florian Wirtz could see the tried-and-trusted trio of Gravenberch, Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister restored for a physical clash, with the German able to shift to the left wing.
Much will depend on Slot’s decision at right-back, as if he opts for the running power and creativity of Szoboszlai in that role, Wirtz will almost certainly remain as No. 10.
Alisson, Ibrahima Konate, Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah and Hugo Ekitike are guaranteed starters bar any late issues, with majority of Slot’s lineup straightforward.