Liverpool have this evening revealed why both Joe Gomez and Naby Keita were omitted from the club’s matchday squad to face Watford.
Watford vs Liverpool
Jurgen Klopp’s men are currently locked in action with the relegation-battling Hornets at Vicarage Road.
Liverpool of course headed into proceedings amid a scintillating spell of domestic form, having dropped just 2 points across their 27 league outings to this point in the campaign.
As such, with Manchester City not in Premier League action this weekend, the Reds were aware ahead of kick-off that another victory this evening would see them move a frankly-staggering 25 points clear atop the English top-flight.
Watford, on the other hand, are currently in the midst of a tense battle against the drop.
The Hornets sit 19th in the Premier League table as things stand, with West Ham’s win over Southampton this afternoon having seen Nigel Pearson’s men slip further from safety.
Gomez & Keita miss out
The starting line-up opted for by Jurgen Klopp at Vicarage Road, though, showcased the fact that the Liverpool boss is not taking his side’s opponents this evening for granted.
Klopp fielded close to a first-choice XI, as showcased below:
Two surprise absentees not only from Liverpool’s starting side, but the club’s matchday squad altogether this evening, though, came in the form of Joe Gomez and Naby Keita.
While the likes of Jordan Henderson and James Milner had been expected to miss out, Gomez and Keita were viewed as near-guarantees to play at least some part at Vicarage Road in the hours leading up to kick-off.
As such, amid concerns amongst the club’s fans, Liverpool have since taken to social media to provide an explanation for the omissions of both players:
‘Joe Gomez (precaution due to a minor fitness concern) and Naby Keita (sore hip) both out.’
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