Iverpool will be unable to give Moises Caicedo his debut in Sunday’s Premier League game against Chelsea if they sign the midfielder from Brighton.
A deal worth £111m has been agreed for the Ecuadorian in what would be a spectacular look at the Reds’ opening weekend opposition.
However, the deal was due to be completed by midday on Friday for him to be included in the Stamford Bridge game and Chelsea are still struggling to sign Caicedo themselves.
There are therefore few defensive-minded players in Liverpool’s midfield ahead of Sunday’s game, with presenter Stefan Bajcetic moving to Thiago. Alcantara are not yet ready to return after injuries ended their 2022-23 campaign prematurely.
Klopp has used new signings Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboslzai in a pre-season attack in a 4-2-3-1 formation, a formation which would not be without risk against Chelsea.
Trent Alexander-Arnold has been tested in midfield, where he excelled earlier this summer while serving in England, while Curtis Jones is another option.
Liverpool XI Prediction: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Jones, MacAllister, Szoboszlai; Salah, Jota, Diaz
