Roberto Firmino and Takumi Minamino ruled out of Leeds United clash
Leeds United have been handed a major boost as Liverpool will be without the services of Roberto Firmino and Takumi Minamino, according to David Lynch.
The Sunday Mirror journalist has also reported that James Milner is touch and go and will have to pass a fitness check to be deemed eligible for the game.
In addition to this, Fabinho and Alisson Becker could also miss out as FIFA are still to make an official ruling on the Brazilian FA opting to ban its players from playing as they did not feature for Brazil in the international break. [LeedsLive]
Should the rule be upheld then even Leeds are likely to be without Raphinha’s services for the game.
Advantage Leeds?
Should Liverpool be forced have at least three of their primary starters ruled out, it would be a major boost for the Whites on Sunday.
They go into the game as underdogs, but if the Reds are without their best goalkeeper, best defensive midfielder and hardest-working attacking player, then they’re not the same side that dominates games from start to end.
Even with a fully fit side last season, they only narrowly beat the Whites on the opening day by a 4-3 scoreline, so Marcelo Bielsa’s men will have a lot of confidence in their abilities to come away from this one with at least a point.
In Raphinha’s absence, the Whites could field Dan James or Crysencio Summerville, which wouldn’t be ideal but still good enough as the rest of the side is still available.
We’re expecting more clarity on the ban by Friday, but either way, Leeds go into this game with a better chance of getting something than they would’ve thought a few weeks ago.
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