Liverpool suffer crushing injury blow ahead of Southampton clash

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Liverpool have suffered a late setback ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash against Southampton at Anfield.

Jurgen Klopp has seen hopes of having a near fully-fit squad at his disposal diminished, with yet another injury giving the Reds boss a defensive selection dilemma.

Centre-back Joel Matip looks set to miss out having struggled with a thigh problem during the week, reports the Liverpool Echo.

This halts an influx of Reds recovering from respective injury layoffs, with Philippe Coutinho, Jordan Henderson, Sadio Mane and, most notably, Adam Lallana having all returned to training following the international break.

Joel Matip, Liverpool

Dejan Lovren could now be in line to make his first start since his Wembley horror show in last month’s 4-1 defeat to Tottenham.

Though the Croatian will likely partner Ragnar Klavan at the heart of Liverpool’s defence, shifting Joe Gomez centrally also threatens to be a tempting option for Klopp.

The 20-year-old has dominated the spotlight over the past fortnight, earning a surprise call-up to Gareth Southgate’s England squad before making his senior debut against Germany and producing a Man of the Match performance against Brazil.

His accomplished outings as part of a central-defensive trio have prompted demands that the former Charlton man, who has featured primarily as a right-back this season, finally be trusted in the middle.

Doing so would pave the way for Trent Alexander-Arnold to slot back in at right-back to form a somewhat new-look Liverpool back four.

Klopp himself admitted during his pre-match press conference that Gomez was undoubtedly ready to play at centre-back, however also reiterated the value of his versatility as a full-back.

Could today be the day he begins his transition?

More Stories Dejan Lovren Joe Gomez Joel Matip Jürgen Klopp Liverpool