Liverpool are not thought to be contending with any fresh injury worries ahead of Sunday’s Premier League clash with Manchester United.

The inconsistent Reds returned to winning ways last time out with victory over Wolves, and Klopp confirmed those involved in that midweek game at Anfield were “all fine” ahead of United’s visit.

Thiago Alcantara and Luiz Diaz, who could return to some elements of first-team training at Kirkby next week, remain out though, as does Joe Gomez.

“Joey is obviously closer but not close enough,” Klopp said on Friday.

It means Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate will likely continue at centre-back, while Andy Robertson should return to the side having been on the bench against Wolves.

Jordan Henderson was also among the substitutes and is pushing for his spot in the starting XI, with the club captain potentially getting the nod over Harvey Elliott to add a bit more experience to the midfield.

Even with Diaz out, Klopp has decisions to make in forward areas. Mohamed Salah is a guaranteed starter in the front three, while Darwin Nunez returned from injury last time out and Diogo Jota was favoured to Cody Gakpo.

It looks to be a straight battle between those two to play through the middle, with Roberto Firmino expected to have to settle for a cameo off the bench again with his exit from Merseyside looming in the summer.

Predicted Liverpool XI (4-3-3): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Fabinho, Bajcetic, Henderson; Salah, Jota, Nunez.

Fixtures do not come much bigger than Liverpool vs Manchester United, and for both sides, the three points on offer at Anfield on Sunday afternoon are more than enough incentive to put in a big performance.

For Liverpool, points are required to gain ground on the top four spots and find a way back into the Champions League places ahead of next season, while for Manchester United, it would be a big statement to win away from home against the Reds, even if Erik ten Hag’s side won the reverse fixture at the start of the season.

Ahead of the game, Jürgen Klopp confirmed that Luis Díaz, Thiago Alcântara and Joe Gomez are all set to miss out for his side, though he offered no update on Naby Keïta, who missed the Wolves game through a minor knock.

But what about Manchester United? Ten Hag’s side also played on Wednesday, knocking out West Ham United in the FA Cup with two late goals — both coming in stoppage time — securing a 3-1 win.

With the Carabao Cup final last weekend and now Liverpool this, it is a big week for Manchester United, who does not boast the same level of attacking depth that Klopp can call upon.

In the center of the pitch, too, Manchester United is a little light. Donny van der Beek and Christian Eriksen are both out with knee and ankle injuries respectively, while Anthony Martial is also missing at the moment with a problem of his own.

Jadon Sancho and Luke Shaw, though, could be back in contention for Manchester United. Sancho has been ill lately but may have recovered in time to play a part at Anfield, while Ten Hag confirmed earlier in the day that Shaw was ‘expected’ to be back.

Manchester United made six changes for the cup tie against West Ham midweek and is expected to go as strong as possible on Sunday, but having Shaw back, in particular, would represent a major boost.

He has been a mainstay at the back for Ten Hag when fit, while in the possible absence of Sancho, there is both Antony and Alejandro Garnacho who the Dutchman can call upon. Both players, though, could be involved if they win their race to participate.

Welcome to our Liverpool FC live blog for Friday, March 3, where we will be bringing you all the latest Reds news and transfer rumours.

We’ve got a fair bit on our plate today as Jurgen Klopp will be facing the media for his pre-match press conference at 9.30am in preparation for his side’s huge clash with old foes Manchester United on Sunday.

The Red Devils saw Liverpool off at Old Trafford earlier on in the season and if Klopp is to keep hopes alive of Champions League football next season, he will need to secure a good result on home turf against United this Sunday.

Also, RedBird Capital Partners founder, Gerry Cardinale, has lifted the lid on some of the motivation behind FSG looking for new investment in the club.

On the transfers front, the Reds are claimed to be monitoring Juventus start Manuel Locatelli, while fellow Serie A side Inter Milan are reportedly interested in capturing Liverpool midfielder Naby Keita on a free transfer at the end of the season.

We’ve got all the latest on a possible move for Chelsea’s Mason Mount, so stick with us throughout the day as we bring you breaking stories, comments and reaction to all the big talking points from Anfield – as well as, of course, the latest transfer gossip from all over the globe.

Get involved and send your thoughts to @LivEchoLFC.

And don’t forget to subscribe to our free Liverpool FC newsletter, our YouTube channel and listen to our Blood Red Podcast, with all your favourite ECHO regulars including Paul Gorst, Ian Doyle, Joe Rimmer, Sean Bradbury, Theo Squires, Richard Garnett, Mark Wakefield, Tom Cavilla, Charlotte Coates and Keifer MacDonald.

Ex-Arsenal defender Martin Keown believes Manchester United have no right to feel ‘confident’ ahead of Sunday’s meeting with Liverpool.

Erik ten Hag’s side enter this match on the back of last weekend’s Carabao Cup final triumph, plus an FA Cup win at the expense of West Ham, and are high on confidence this season

But the Red Devils have not tasted victory at Anfield since 2016 and Keown is of the view United can’t be getting ahead of themselves as this fixture approaches.

“I just think this is a great game for Liverpool because they can try and put their season right in almost one game here,” he told talkSPORT.

“Liverpool haven’t been great this season, they’re in a temporary blip I think, but look what they’ve done in recent years. Maybe there was a bit of burnout there but they’ve had a good rest and a good look at this fixture. I think they’re going to be in really good form on Sunday.

“The atmosphere in that stadium will be incredible. Liverpool beat Wolves last time out, they drew to Crystal Palace away, they beat Newcastle and Everton… they’re on a little run and this is a huge game for them. Manchester United think they’re coming back and there’s a lot of confidence there, but this is so new to them that I don’t think they can be that confident of going there and winning at Anfield.”

After winning against Wolves on Wednesday evening, attention now turns to Sunday’s huge showdown with Manchester United.

Jurgen Klopp’s side will be looking to continue their chase of a top four place, which was boosted by a midweek victory at Anfield.

Upcoming opponents United are currently full of confidence and come into this fixture on the back of claiming the Carabao Cup, though the Red Devils have not got the better of the Reds away from home since January 2016.

Preparations have been ongoing behind the scenes ahead of the latest meeting between the two sides, but what could be spotted from Liverpool’s latest training session at their XXA base? We have taken a look below.

Diaz recovery continues

The return of the Colombian star cannot come soon enough, and Liverpool fans may not have to wait much longer to see Luis Diaz back in action.

On the sidelines since sustaining a knee injury back in October, the former Porto star was pictured completing a light jog last month and continued his rehabilitation programme today through a series of indoor activities under the supervision of medical staff.

Liverpool are not thought to be contending with any fresh injury worries ahead of Sunday’s Premier League clash with Manchester United.

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