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Jurgen Klopp expects to have Alisson, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk back for Liverpool’s Premier League clash with Aston Villa on Boxing Day – but vice-captain James Milner is a fitness doubt.
Alexander-Arnold, who only played 33 minutes for England at the World Cup, would have featured in Thursday’s 3-2 defeat to Manchester City in the Carabao Cup but was ruled out due to a virus. He’s expected to recover in time for the trip to Villa Park.
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Brazil goalkeeper Alisson will return in place of Caoimhin Kelleher with Netherlands captain Van Dijk, who has also returned to training at Kirkby, coming into the backline.
However, Liverpool need to assess Milner after he limped off during the first half at the Etihad.
“Millie felt something in his hamstring,” revealed Klopp. “After 30 years in the business he said he doesn’t think it’s a lot.
“He’s convinced it’s only a little thing. We just wanted to make sure it didn’t get worse.
“All the others should be available. Trent has been ill. Same as Ox (Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain) until yesterday. Virgil trained at the AXA today.”
Ibrahima Konate, who played for France in the World Cup final, isn’t due to report back to Kirkby until next week.
(Photo: Getty Images)
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James Pearce joins the Athletic after 14 years working for the Liverpool Echo. The dad-of-two has spent the past decade covering the fortunes of Liverpool FC across the globe to give fans the inside track on the Reds from the dressing room to the boardroom. Follow James on Twitter @JamesPearceLFC
