It would have been very, very nice to call upon Marko Grujic for tomorrow’s Merseyside Derby with Everton, but it’s not going to happen.
The Echo have confirmed that we have no right to recall the 21-year-old because Cardiff paid a loan-fee which legally binds him to their club until the end of the season.
Liverpool are down to just four fit, senior midfielders in Jordan Henderson, Gini Wijnaldum, James Milner and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
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Bad news on Emre Can forces Klopp to play this team v City on Wednesday
Emre Can and Adam Lallana are not yet near match fitness, while the young Serb is on loan at Cardiff.
With captain Henderson suspended from Tuesday’s Champions League clash with Manchester City, Jurgen Klopp has a difficult selection headache for the Goodison Tie.
He can play Hendo without any bother, but anyone who lines up alongside him risks getting injured for the crunch game of the season at the Etihad.
Ovie Ejaria would have likely got a game, but he’s on loan at Sunderland. Similarly, Pedro Chirivella and Harry Wilson would all be mighty handy – but it’s not going to happen.
We have a feeling the team picked on Saturday lunchtime will surprise a few.