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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Ian Doyle

Jurgen Klopp faces Mohamed Salah decision as Liverpool consider another midfield revamp

Liverpool are still seeking their first Premier League win of 2023 after they suffered a dismal time at Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday afternoon.

The Reds were made to count the cost of a poor start as they were beaten 3-0 by their relegation-threatened opponents at Molineux. Liverpool will now look to arrest an alarming slide down the table when they entertain neighbours Everton next Monday.

And here we look ahead to the changes Jurgen Klopp could make when his team are next in action.

READ MORE: Sadio Mane could hold key to Mohamed Salah revival after role in Liverpool decline

READ MORE: Jurgen Klopp already knows what Liverpool must do next but players must listen

Phillips poser

The possible return of Virgil van Dijk after more than a month out through injury - the Dutchman is expected to return to parts of training next week - would leave Jurgen Klopp with a decision to make in the heart of defence.

But regardless of whether Van Dijk makes it or not, neither Joel Matip nor Joe Gomez did their cause much good at Wolves at the weekend, giving Nat Philips hope of only a second Premier League start of the campaign. Ibrahima Konate is injured.

Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson are likely to continue in the full-back positions. Gomez and James Milner are possible alternatives at right-back - Calvin Ramsay failed to make the bench again on Saturday - while Kostas Tsimkas came off the bench to replace Robertson at Molineux. Alisson Becker is the first-choice goalkeeper.

Midfield change?

Klopp has stuck with the same midfield trio for the last four games - Stefan Bajcetic, Naby Keita and Thiago Alcantara - but may look to rotate given the outcome against Wolves.

Fabinho missed out through illness but would be expected to be an option, while skipper Jordan Henderson featured during the second half. Milner would also provide experience in the engine room, while Harvey Elliott, who has not been in midfield for the last four matches, could be switched back into the role.

Curtis Jones has started just one Premier League game this season, while Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain hasn't started a top-flight match in the engine room in almost a year. Arthur Melo remains out.

Salah question

Another poor performance from Mohamed Salah on his 200th league appearance for the Reds may leave Klopp with a tough call to make regarding the Egyptian, who has started every Premier League game this season. Elliott would be an alternative on the right, so too Oxlade-Chamberlain.

Elliott is also a possibility on the left flank having started there twice in recent weeks. Both Cody Gakpo and Darwin Nunez can play on the left and down the middle, although Nunez's display against Wolves suggests he may have edged ahead in the central role.

Fabio Carvalho has played just three minutes in the Premier League since October and while Diogo Jota is back in training this coming week, it would surely be too early to consider his selection. Roberto Firmino and Luis Diaz remain out.

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