Liverpool and Fulham will meet at Anfield in a Premier League fixture that could see several players miss out because of injuries. The match comes as Liverpool look to maintain their strong start to the season, while Fulham are still searching for their first league points.
Liverpool have several concerns ahead of the encounter, with Cody Gakpo facing a late fitness test after missing the Champions League victory over Atletico Madrid. Joe Gomez is also expected to remain unavailable as he continues his recovery from a pre season injury, while Federico Chiesa is sidelined with a muscle problem.
Giovanni Leoni, Conor Bradley and Hugo Ekitike are also continuing their respective rehabilitation programmes and are not expected to feature. Ekitike in particular remains a long term absentee...READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE .
Liverpool have, however, received encouraging news regarding Bradley Barcola. The summer signing was substituted during the victory over Atletico Madrid after experiencing cramps, but the issue was not considered a serious injury and he is expected to be available if his recovery progresses normally.
Fulham have fewer injury concerns, with captain Tom Cairney expected to miss the game while recovering from a knee procedure. Young striker Jonah Kusi Asare is also unavailable after previously being affected by a knee injury and has yet to make the matchday squad this season.
The fixture will also be significant for Fulham manager Alvaro Arbeloa, who returns to Anfield to face his former club. Fulham have lost their opening three Premier League matches against Chelsea, Sunderland and Crystal Palace, making the trip to Liverpool a difficult test.
Liverpool, meanwhile, have built momentum after defeating Ipswich Town 2 0 in the Premier League before securing a 2 1 Champions League victory over Atletico Madrid. The Reds will therefore enter the contest hoping to extend their positive run.
With several players unavailable on both sides, squad depth could play an important role in determining the outcome. Liverpool will be expected to control the game at home, but Fulham will be desperate to produce a response and avoid another defeat as their difficult start to the campaign continues.
