Liverpool have been handed a blow ahead of their clash with Sheffield United, with Premier League rules preventing one of their new players from playing.
Reds manager, Jurgen Klopp, had hoped to have new signing Takumi Minamino available for the game at Anfield. With Liverpool playing so many games of late, having fresh faces available would have been ideal for Klopp.
Takumi Minamino will not be available for Liverpool against Sheffield United. (Photo by Nick Taylor/Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
However, Premier League rules will prevent the Japanese star from playing against the Blades. Despite already signing for the club, he will have to wait until the 5th January to make his debut, reports The Daily Star.
Even though Minamino has signed, he will not officially be a Liverpool player until January 1st. That means that Premier League rules state he can’t play until game week 21. Ultimately, it means he has no chance of facing the Blades.
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Minamino signed for the Reds last month in a deal worth over £7m. He will provide cover and back up to the likes of Mo Salah and Sadio Mane in wide attacking areas. He can, however, play as a striker if needed.
No problem for Klopp and Liverpool
Despite the fixture pile-up, Liverpool have already proven it won’t really matter to them. Their squad is strong as it is, so even if Klopp does decide to rest players, they have the quality to come in.
The Reds won’t want to take the foot off the gas though. Sheffield United caused Man City problems yesterday and Klopp will be well aware of the need to put out the best team possible.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp will be aware of the Sheffield United threat. (Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)
On paper, it should be three points for the Reds. However, the Blades have played well all season and only narrowly lost out to the Champions League winners earlier in the campaign.
Sheffield United will come to Anfield with little fear and Liverpool will need to be at their best to ensure they see out the win.
