Liverpool are racing against the clock to sign Moises Caicedo in time for their Premier League match against Chelsea on Sunday.
The Reds have reportedly signed a £111 million agreement with Brighton for the Ecuadorian midfielder, in what would be a remarkable gazumping of their opponents on the opening weekend.
The Caicedo deal, though, must be finalized by Friday noon in order for him to be registered to play at Stamford Bridge.
That implies that if the deal is finalized, Jurgen Klopp is unlikely to have his new signing ready for a debut.
As a result, Liverpool’s midfield is thin on defensive-minded players ahead of Sunday’s encounter, with anchor man Stefan Bajcetic and Thiago Alcantara still not ready to return from injuries that terminated their 2022-23 seasons early.
During pre-season, Klopp has used new recruits Alexis MacAllister and Dominik Szoboslzai in an offensive 4-2-3-1, a formation that would be risky against Chelsea.
Trent Alexander-Arnold has been tested in the midfield role, which he excelled in during England’s pre-season tour, while Curtis Jones is another option.
Liverpool’s predicted starting lineup is as follows: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Jones, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai; Salah, Jota, Diaz.
Thiago and Bajcetic are both injured.
There are no reservations.
