It’s time for Liverpool to return to action as they face Lyon in the Dubai Super Cup this afternoon.
After an enforced break for the World Cup, the Reds are in the Middle East for a warm-weather training camp, where they will also face the French Ligue 1 side and Italian giants AC Milan
Today is the turn of Lyon to play the Reds and it will be the first opportunity to see Jurgen Klopp’s men in action since the 3-1 Premier League victory against Southampton at Anfield on November 12.
Liverpool is without a host of World Cup stars, including Jordan Henderson, Darwin Nunez, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Virgil van Dijk, but Mohamed Salah is in town and there could be a return to action for Naby Keita after a long lay-off.
With action starting at 2 pm, Paul Gorst is your man at Al-Maktoum Stadium, providing live updates. We’ll also be bringing you team news, analysis, and reaction. The game will be shown LIVE on LFC TV and LFC TV GO.
An update on Liverpool’s injury to Luis Diaz and Klopp’s plan for the future
Jurgen Klopp says Luis Diaz’s injury setback is a “proper smash in the face” as Liverpool gets set for another spell without the influential winger.
Diaz has not played for the Reds since the 3-2 defeat to Arsenal in early October after suffering a knee injury but was poised to return in the mid-season friendly fixtures in Dubai before he suffered another setback on Friday.
Reports in Diaz’s native Colombia have claimed he will need surgery and be absent until March and any prolonged absence will be a major blow for a player who has shone since his £37m switch from Porto at the end of the January transfer window.
“He is not in the best possible place [mentally], that is clear,” Klopp said after his side’s 3-1 loss to Lyon in the Dubai Super Cup on Sunday. “It was a big disappointment for all of us and him as well. It was a nothing situation in training, honestly.
A rating system for Liverpool players
Caoimhin Kelleher – 5
Didn’t have much to do at all but conceded in really soft circumstances. The Irish keeper will be annoyed with how Lyon found their way back into the game after the mix-up with Robertson.
James Milner – 7
Played a mid-season friendly in Dubai in an unfamiliar position at the age of nearly 37 in the same way he would have a cup final in his 20s. Beyond professional. After halftime, moved to midfield.
Joe Gomez – 6
As a result of Lyon’s attack, he was not unduly troubled. Was confident in possession and coasted through the game.
Joel Matip – 8
The biggest plus point of Liverpool’s night, he was rock solid on his return to the team. Early clearance from a low cross was an important one and he never gave either Moussa Dembele or Alexandre Lacazette a sniff. Having not played since October, it only lasted 45 minutes.
