Cody Gakpo is expected to rejoin the Liverpool team for Thursday’s Europa League match at Anfield against Toulouse.
After missing the Reds’ previous three games due to injury, the Netherlands international is back to full training. Jürgen Klopp has announced the 24-year-old is eligible for selection as his team looks to win Group E with three straight games.
But Andy Robertson, who just had successful surgery for a shoulder injury he suffered while playing for Scotland on international duty, won’t be playing for the home team.
At the media briefing prior to the game on Wednesday, Klopp stated, “Robbo underwent surgery, and everything went as well as it could, so the healing process begins the moment he awakens.” I believe that took place this morning. That is all. The first stage is completed, which is wonderful, even though we have no idea how long it will take or anything else.
“Cody is eligible for the squad as he has been training full time since Sunday. We’ll have to wait and see what we do with that, but that’s also beneficial.”
Curtis Jones, who was suspended and missed the weekend’s Premier League victory over Everton, is available elsewhere.
Ben Doak was unable to play against the Blues due to an injury he sustained while serving for his country in Europe, and Thiago Alcantara, Stefan Bajcetic, and Conor Bradley are still out.
“We will make a few changes, maybe not too many, we will see,” Klopp continued. However, we must ensure that we are truly prepared for the competition, as the boys have demonstrated thus far. That is my desired outcome.”
TEAM COMPARISON — UEFA EUROPA LEAGUE
Regarding Darwin Nunez, the manager stated: “Darwin experienced some cramping towards the end of the international match [prior to Everton].” Even though it was only 20 or so minutes, you could tell that it was incredibly intense for him. Given how intense it was, our choice of action was the proper one.
“The boys find it difficult to make these kinds of excursions before to the games every time. However, I believe that he is now good for this game as well as the following one. That’s positive.”
Toulouse travels to Anfield with four points from their first two group games, a 1-1 draw against Union SG on the road and a 1-0 victory at home against LASK.
A 21-person travelling squad has been announced by the Ligue 1 team for the trip to Merseyside.
Oliver Zanden and Zakaria Aboukhlal are out with hip and ankle problems, respectively, and Ibrahim Cissoko is out with a foot issue.
Carles Martinez, the Toulouse coach, stated on the eve of the match, “We know that Liverpool is Liverpool and we know how they play.”
“Due to their versatility as an attacking unit, they are an amazing club and team. They play a strong, aggressive defence. As we all know.
“We’re not sure exactly who they can play with because they occasionally rotate in Europe; we’re not sure if that will continue tomorrow. They played a game once, just like us, and then played it again three days later. We are prepared even if we are unsure of the precise partner they can choose.
“It’s evident that we are attempting to find our identity in every game we play. Liverpool is a fantastic team, and you can always count on them to play with commitment and enthusiasm. We are aware of this and, naturally, are gearing up to defeat them in the game.
“Every player is prepared to compete to the best of their abilities.”
Last game
Liverpool 2-0 Everton (October 21): Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Tsimikas, Mac Allister, Gravenberch, Szoboszlai, Diaz, Salah, Jota.
Toulouse 1-1 Stade de Reims (October 22): Restes, Desler, Costa, Nicolaisen, Suazo, Donnum, Schmidt, Sierro, Casseres, Gelabert, Dallinga.