Liverpool team news: Expected XI vs Brighton as Jurgen Klopp makes Sadio Mane decision

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Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp will be forced into at least one change when Brighton visit Anfield on Saturday afternoon. The German, who watched his side thrash Manchester United 5-0 last time out in the Premier League, has lost his Mr Dependable; James Milner to injury.

The seasoned veteran picked up a hamstring issue during the first half at Old Trafford that is now likely to rule him out for several weeks.

Milner has been featuring heavily ever since the return from the international break due to injury problems in the middle park.

Fabinho and Thiago Alcantara are expected to sit the clash with the Seagulls out once again as they continue to walk the road back to full fitness.

“With Fabinho, it doesn’t look too good, it’s a bit more complicated but not too complicated but complicated enough to keep him out,” Klopp said in Friday’s press conference.

“I’ll still wait for the last news but he was not in team training yet, which is never a good sign.

“Thiago was back in team training for the first time but it doesn’t mean he’s available to play a football game unfortunately.

“So we will see what we do with him but he’s closer than he was last week.”

Naby Keita is expected to be fit despite being stretchered off at Old Trafford after missing the midweek Carabao Cup win at Championship side Preston.

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The Guinea international is expected to keep his place in midfield as he looks to build on his recent goals against Atletico and United, where he played brilliantly before being stretchered off.

Curtis Jones could fill in for Milner after coming off the bench at Old Trafford.

In defence, Klopp is expected to name an unchanged back five – including Alisson – with Ibrahima Konate expected to keep his place alongside Virgil van Dijk at central back.

Klopp does have a headache in attack though as Diogo Jota looks to keep his place in the side ahead of Sadio Mane after finding the net against United.

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However, there is a chance Klopp could recall Mane, who has not started since the 3-2 Champions League win at Atletico last week.

Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah should keep their place, although the Brazilian has been benched on several occasions this season with Jota slotting in through the middle.

Mane should get the nod but there is every chance Klopp could stick with the front three that tore United to shreds.

Expected Liverpool XI vs Brighton (4-3-3): Alisson; Robertson, Konate, Van Dijk, Alexander-Arnold; Henderson, Keita, Jones; Salah, Mane, Firmino.

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