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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Ian Doyle

Jurgen Klopp faces Mohamed Salah decision as Liverpool consider midfield rethink

Liverpool maintained their quadruple quest with a hard-earned victory over Watford on Saturday.

Diogo Jota's header and a Fabinho penalty secured the Reds a 2-0 Premier League win at Anfield. Liverpool now turn their attention to the Champions League when they play their quarter-final first leg against Benfica in Portugal on Tuesday evening.

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

READ MORE: 'Psychological impact of another critical victory' - national media react to Liverpool win over Watford

READ MORE: Jurgen Klopp makes Diogo Jota transfer admission after Liverpool role change

The Trent question

Joe Gomez has performed admirably in the right-back slot deputising for Trent Alexander-Arnold in the last two games.

However, with Alexander-Arnold now back fit, Klopp faces a decision over whether to reintroduce the defender ahead of a big few weeks or stick with the in-form Gomez.

There could also be a change at centre-back, where Ibrahima Konate has started three of the last four Champions League games but was ruled out of the defeat to Inter Milan in the last round. Virgil van Dijk is expected to continue, with Joel Matip having started against Watford. Youngster Rhys Williams is another alternative.

Andy Robertson, meanwhile, appears set to remain at left-back with Kostas Tsimikas on standby should any issues emerge.

Middle changes?

Fabinho came off the bench to score from the spot against Watford at the weekend and it would be a surprise if the Brazilian didn't start in his regular defensive midfield role. Jordan Henderson is another strong contender, although the duo haven't started a Champions League game together since early November.

Thiago Alcantara impressed at the weekend and started both round of 16 legs against Inter Milan, while Curtis Jones began the return game and was in the XI on Saturday. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain wasn't involved against Inter despite featuring in every group game and James Milner has played for just 12 minutes in the Champions League since October.

Liverpool are waiting on Naby Keita recovering from a minor knee complaint while Harvey Elliott missed out against Watford and instead played 45 minutes for the under-23s in their 2-2 draw at home to Chelsea.

Diaz decision

Liverpool possess two forwards who spent time challenging Benfica while playing in Portugal. Diogo Jota is in form having scored in each of the Reds' last three games, but January signing Luis Diaz has been used sparingly since his winner at Brighton three weeks ago.

Mohamed Salah appeared tired on Saturday following his World Cup disappointment while Sadio Mane, whose Senegal beat Egypt in the qualifying play-off, will be eager to regain a starting role. Roberto Firmino, who has begun the last two games, will be hopeful of keeping his place.

Takumi Minamino and Divock Origi are other possible alternatives, with the allowance of five substitutions meaning there is a potential opportunity from the bench.

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