Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Tom Cavilla

Liverpool look certain to make Luis Diaz decision as midfield concern clear

Liverpool's spectacular 2021/22 season is drawing to a close, though the small matter of a Champions League final awaits for Jurgen Klopp's side.

It promises to be an interesting affair in the French capital between two European heavyweights, which sees the Reds go in search of their third trophy of the campaign. Liverpool do have some injury concerns ahead of this showpiece fixture, however, which could pose problems for Klopp as he ponders who to name in his starting-eleven.

The Liverpool boss rested the likes of Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk for the visit of Wolves on Sunday afternoon, though opted to bring on the former during the second half as the hosts went in search of a winning goal. There are also question marks over the likes of Fabinho and Thiago for the final, with the midfield duo facing a race against time to be involved in Paris.

READ MORE: Micah Richards and Riyad Mahrez are missing the point about Liverpool and Man City

MOMENTS MISSED: Mohamed Salah receives unwanted Liverpool message as Alisson Becker left fuming

HAVE YOUR SAY: Pick your Liverpool moment of the season

We have taken a look at some of the likely changes that could be seen for the Champions League final, below.

Ibou in or out?

It has been a hugely impressive debut season for Ibrahima Konate, who has shone in his defensive role since arriving in the summer from RB Leipzig. The French star featured for 90 minutes against Wolves, though could lose his place as Van Dijk closes in on a return.

Konate has produced some impressive displays in Europe's elite competition this term, notably scoring in both legs of the quarter-final against Benfica, but Klopp may opt to select his tried-and-tested duo consisting of Joel Matip and Van Dijk. The 22-year-old would certainly be unfortunate to miss out, but experience of starring in matches of this magnitude cannot be overlooked.

Midfield mystery

The one area of the pitch which has left some supporters worried ahead of facing Real Madrid. Fabinho and Thiago would have likely been guaranteed starters for the Reds, had they not sustained injuries, but are both now doubts ahead of Saturday's showdown.

Jordan Henderson stands a strong chance of retaining his place in the team as he looks to guide the squad to a second European Cup under his leadership, though Naby Keita and James Milner could well be in line for starts depending on the fitness of their team-mates.

Klopp will be hopeful at least one of Fabinho and Thiago can feature, though Henderson, Keita and Milner could well be the midfield three should they fail to recover in time.

Diaz decision clear

Luis Diaz simply has to start for Liverpool against Carlo Ancelotti's side. The Colombian has shown just what a threat he can be within the final third since his arrival from FC Porto in January and will fancy his chances of causing chaos on the biggest stage.

Sadio Mane is another individual who is certain to lead the line for the Reds, having been in such fine form of late, and Mohamed Salah looks set to displace Diogo Jota despite fears the Egyptian could be absent for such a significant fixture in the season.

The 29-year-old got on the scoresheet after being sent on in the second half against Wolves, though this is not a game where Klopp will feel he will have the luxury of leaving out his star man. Both Jota and Roberto Firmino could serve as effective options from the bench.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.