West Brom boosted by return of key players for Liverpool clash

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A timely fitness boost for West Brom promises to hand Liverpool a tougher task in Saturday’s clash at the Hawthorns.

The Reds enter the contest needing just two more wins to fend off Chelsea and secure a top four finish in the Premier League.

What initially looked a favourable trip to face the division’s dead and buried bottom-club has evolved into a potentially tricky obstacle following West Brom’s shock 1-0 win against Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Caretaker manager Darren Moore is set to welcome back a key duo as he seeks to replicate last weekend’s measured performance against Jose Mourinho’s side.

“We have Jonny Evans and Hal Robson Kane back for the Liverpool game. They are welcome additions,” Moore said, per West Brom’s club website.

Moore also took the time to praise Mohamed Salah for his stunning first season back in England.

“Salah has been very good. He’s a great attacking player and he’s had a wonderful season. Ahmed Hegazi has spoken to me me about him. He’s such an exciting talent.”

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The return of Evans is perhaps more noteworthy than that of Robson-Kanu, purely for the likelihood of West Brom adopting a deep setup to combat Liverpool’s counterattacking expertise.

Liverpool themselves were boosted defensively on Thursday as Dejan Lovren returned to training following his knock in last weekend’s win at home to Bournemouth.

In this mood, Jurgen Klopp’s men are unlikely to squander final-third opportunities as much as a disappointing Manchester United did last weekend.

Saturday’s trip could also serve as an opportunity for Klopp to rotate his squad in the manner he did for the recent Merseyside derby, with Tuesday’s Champions League semi-final first leg with Roma looming as a priority.

In that case, a stern defensive display from the hosts could become a valuable test for the likes of Danny Ings and Dominic Solanke, if given minutes, in their efforts to get on the scoresheet for the first time this season.

More Stories Hal Robson-Kanu Jonny Evans Liverpool West Brom