Liverpool receive selection boost for Brentford clash, but new injury setback arises

Liverpool’s quest for the Premier League title intensifies on Saturday as they make the trip to face Brentford. The pressure has undoubtedly increased for Jürgen Klopp’s side.

While there is no question that Liverpool have been the top and most consistent team in the league this season, their form has shown signs of slipping slightly since the start of the new year.

A 1-0 defeat in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final against Tottenham Hotspur means Arne Slot’s team faces a tough challenge in the return leg at Anfield next month. Additionally, Liverpool has failed to secure victories in their last two league games. However, a 2-2 draw against arch-rivals Manchester United at home and a 1-1 draw at surprise high-flyers Nottingham Forest could still be considered valuable points over the course of the season.

That 1-1 draw at Forest, in particular, has been capitalized on by Arsenal, whose 2-1 win over Tottenham in the north London derby on Wednesday closed the gap between them and the league leaders to just four points. However, Liverpool still have a game in hand.

A win for Liverpool in the 3 pm kick-off at the Gtech Community Stadium would see them restore their seven-point lead over Arsenal, putting additional pressure on Mikel Arteta’s injury-hit squad ahead of their 5:30 pm match against Aston Villa at the Emirates.

The good news for Arne Slot is that, unlike Arteta, he has almost a fully fit squad to choose from. The squad will be further strengthened by the return of striker Darwin Núñez, who missed the trip to Forest due to suspension after accumulating five yellow cards.

It remains uncertain whether the Uruguayan will start straight away, particularly given that Diogo Jota has emerged as a strong candidate for a starting spot after his quick and clinical equalizer at the City Ground. However, Jota is now a major doubt for the Brentford clash after missing training on Thursday.

Despite this, Liverpool still has strong options in attack and midfield, but the defense raises some concerns. The team has only kept three clean sheets in their last 11 games across all competitions. With Ibrahima Konaté and Conor Bradley still regaining full fitness after long-term injuries, and Andy Robertson struggling to return to his best form, the absence of versatile defender Joe Gomez is being felt more than ever.

As it stands, Gomez will miss out on the trip to Brentford, and it now seems likely that Jota will join him on the sidelines.