Liverpool forward Takumi Minamino could miss his team’s Premier League clash with Leeds United next weekend after picking up an injury on international duty.
The Lowdown: Leeds prepare for Liverpool clash
The international break may currently be taking place, but Whites manager Marcelo Bielsa will be preparing for the upcoming meeting with the Reds.
Jurgen Klopp’s side make the trip to Elland Road next Sunday in what promises to be a great occasion in front of a full home crowd.
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The Latest: Minamino could miss out
One player who could be unavailable for Liverpool is Minamino, who has returned to Merseyside after getting injured on Japan duty, according to the Liverpool Echo.
While the problem is not thought to be serious, it could possibly keep him out for the upcoming league fixture against Bielsa’s Whites.
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The Verdict: Another potential boost for Leeds
Minamino may not necessarily be a key player for Liverpool – he was loaned out to Southampton last season and failed to impress at St Mary’s – but he may have been needed against Leeds. Roberto Firmino will be absent with a hamstring injury and the Japanese forward could potentially have started in the 29-year-old’s absence.
Granted, a front three of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Diogo Jota still looks most likely, and boasts an abundance of goals, but Klopp may not be able to call upon Minamino from the substitutes’ bench when legs are tiring and he needs more attacking options.
Therefore, Leeds fans may well be feeling more optimistic about Sunday’s match having heard of this latest injury setback for their opponents.
In other news, one player’s potential move to Leeds is thought to be ‘dead in the water’. Read more here.