Liverpool take on Newcastle in the Premier League on Saturday at Anfield Stadium knowing they could overtake Manchester United and move into second place in the table.
Jurgen Klopp has confirmed that he will be without midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum and youngster Ben Woodburn who missed training after struggling with illness.
Nathaniel Clyne is also out despite recovering as he is not match fit.
“Woodburn and Wijnaldum have been ill for a week or so,” Klopp said.
“It’s more than a cold. We have no big injuries it’s true and hopefully it stays like this.
“Rotation is not always about resting players, it’s about using the competition in the squad to get them to perform again.
“It’s about making pressure.”
With Wijnaldum out Klopp could be forced into starting Emre Can.
The midfielder of Turkish origin would have been a favorite to start under normal conditions but he will pick up an automatic suspension if he is booked against the Magpies.
Can will miss the Manchester United clash the following week if he does end up getting suspended.
The 24-year-old has been a regular starter despite his contract situation.
Can has just a few months remaining on his contract but has yet to sign an extension.
Had Wijnaldum been fit it would have given Klopp the option to not risk Can ahead of the critical derby clash.
Klopp may feel he has to play him now. Jordan Henderson, Oxlade-Chamberlain and Lallana are available in midfield but James Milner is also a doubt.
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Sadio Mane, Firmino and Salah are all available, have made the squad and are likely to start.