Liverpool’s quest for a top-4 finish will also include a battle against injuries.Several key players for the Reds will be at less than full strength as they host Crystal Palace on Sunday.
The biggest concerns come in the back, where Joel Matip (thigh) and Ragnar Klavan (knee) both missed time at training this week. Both were training at the end of the week on the side, and will be late fitness tests before Sunday’s contest.
Also a late fitness test will be Lucas Leiva, who suffered a knock against West Brom last Sunday. Like Matip and Klavan, who did some light training toward the end of the week and will be a late fitness test.
There is also a question mark about oft-injured striker Daniel Sturridge, who missed several training sessions this week with an undisclosed injury. He is expected to be a game-time decision.
Adam Lallana is close to returning for Liverpool from a thigh injury that he suffered during the last international break. He has been ruled out for Sunday, but it could be back as early as next weekend.
The news is not as good for Jordan Henderson. He has not progressed from his foot injury, and it is becoming more and more likely that he will miss the rest of the season.
Sadio Mane, Adam Bogdan and Danny Ings remain out for the rest of the season. Ovie Ejaria is progressing from his injury and may return to training in the near future.
Liverpool are receiving 53/100 odds for a win according to Oddschecker. Crystal Palace are receiving 6/1 odds for a win, and there are 15/4 odds for a draw.
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