Liverpool predicted line-up for Community Shield clash against Arsenal

Liverpool are without at least six players for the FA Community Shield clash with Arsenal on Saturday but could still field a close to full strength starting XI.

Captain Jordan Henderson will miss the annual season’s curtain-raiser as he continues his recovery from injury, while Trent Alexander-Arnold may not feature either.

Henderson picked up a knee injury at the end of last season while Alexander-Arnold is nearing a return from a minor problem.

Centre-back Virgil van Dijk is fit to play though despite suffering a head injury in Tuesday’s friendly with RB Salzburg.

Klopp said: “Trent (is) very close but we have to make a decision. Virgil is fine.”

Naby Keita is expected to replace Henderson as the third man in the centre of Liverpool’s field as he looks to finally make his mark for the club.

Meanwhile youngster Neco Williams is the likely candidate to fill in for Alexander-Arnold at right-back following his impressive emergence last season.

Klopp will otherwise go with his tried and tested lineup for the showdown with FA Cup winners Arsenal, but will no doubt be hoping to use the tie to give some of his other stars some much needed minutes.

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The Reds’ boss is also without the talents of Joel Matip, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Harry Wilson, Xherdan Shaqiri and Divock Origi.

None of those players have played a minute of pre-season action so far and will not even be among the substitutes at Wembley.

One man who will be though is young striker Rhian Brewster, fresh off the back of his sharp form in the friendlies.

The 20-year-old scored three goals in Liverpool’s two warm-up fixtures – both of which he started on the bench.

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Klopp is still open to keeping Brewster at the club as back-up this season making Saturday’s match another opportunity for him to impress if he does get on the field.

However he also admitted the player could be sent back out on loan again to further his development after his worthwhile stint at Swansea last season.

Liverpool predicted XI: Alisson; Williams, Gomez, van Dijk, Robertson; Fabinho, Wijnaldum, Keita; Mane, Firmino, Salah.

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