Ex-Liverpool defender Mark Lawrenson believes the return of Alisson Becker, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Diogo Jota will improve the Reds’ chances of lifting the Premier League title.
The trio have been sidelined for a number of weeks due to injuries but they are all now back in training. Speaking to Paddy Power, Lawrenson said their presence will be a big “boost” for Jurgen Klopp’s side:
“Having Alisson Becker, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Diogo Jota all back in training and in contention to play definitely improves Liverpool’s chances in the title race.”
“Not only those three players but also Ibrahima Konaté is coming back, so if you look around the dressing room, that’s nearly everyone back fit which gives competition for places, which at this stage of the season is great.”
“I think it will help them kick on, but being honest, they’ve been winning games without those players already, but this will give them a boost.”
Will any of the three Liverpool players start this weekend?
Diogo Jota came on as a second-half substitute during the 3-0 home defeat to Atalanta on Thursday night but Klopp has emphasised they will have to be careful with the Portuguese international’s fitness after he spent so long on the treatment table.
Alexander-Arnold was an unused substitute midweek, while Alisson didn’t make the squad. It does suggest that the trio may not be ready to start against Crystal Palace on Sunday.
A refresh of the starting eleven is needed
The heavy loss at home to Atalanta does suggest that the trio’s return can’t come soon enough. As Klopp said himself after the match, it was a really bad performance.
Even so, they cannot let the result affect their Premier League form. Liverpool would go back top of the table with a win over Palace, but Arsenal would regain first place if they beat Aston Villa later in the day.
