Two African Liverpool players are currently facing fitness test ahead of tonight’s game. Defender Joel Matip and midfielder Naby Keita are the two players. They both face late fitness tests before Liverpool’s Champions League game at Atalanta.
The pair trained on Sunday, but midfielder Thiago Alcantara was absent as he recovers from a knee injury.
Liverpool head coach Jurgen Klopp said: “We have to wait until the medical department gives us a green, orange or red light.” The Reds have won both of their Champions League games this season and are top of Group D.
Meanwhile, Atalanta, who reached the quarter-finals of the 2019-20 competition, have picked up four points from their opening two matches and are second. This will be Liverpool’s first European match against the Italian side and Klopp is expecting a tough game.
Speaking about the trip to Italy Klopp said: “They obviously have a really good atmosphere. A good mood and are a proper fighting unit.” “They are very well organised; play their system with 100% conviction, they know exactly what everybody has to do.” “I know how good they are. I actually enjoyed the analysis, I enjoyed watching them because it’s really interesting.”
Premier League leaders Liverpool will be playing their sixth game in 18 days. Cameroon defender Joel Matip has only featured twice this season. Keita on the other hand has been absent for five games because of a muscle injury.
Centre-half Virgil van Dijk still remains in the injury room. He is expected to miss most of the season with a cruciate knee ligament injury. Fabinho is still doubtful due to a hamstring injury.
