Confirmed Liverpool line-up: Duo omitted for clash against Hull
By Harry Sykes
Georginio Wijnaldum has been axed from the Liverpool side that faces Hull at the KCOM Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The central midfielder has been dropped by Jurgen Klopp to make way for Sadio Mane, who returns to the starting XI after fully recovering from his Africa Cup of Nations exertions.
There is one other change to the Liverpool side that secured a 1-1 draw against league leaders Chelsea on Tuesday night, with Dejan Lovren missing with a knock and Lucas stepping up to take his place in the back four.
Manager Klopp has elected to select nine of the starting XI who showed signs of a long-awaited return to form on Wednesday as they came from a goal down to secure a point at Anfield against Chelsea.
Somewhat surprisingly, Emre Can is retained in the team and will pair skipper Jordan Henderson in central midfield.
The Germany international has come in for heavy criticism from supporters during the past month in which Liverpool have been dumped out of two cup competitions and lost ground in the title race.
The return of Mane will give Liverpool extra firepower in an attack that has faltered considerably in recent weeks while the Senegalese has been away from the team.
The former Southampton man was a second-half substitute against Chelsea but Saturday’s selection has showed he is first pick by Klopp when he is fit and available.
Liverpool are fourth in the league ahead of Saturday’s clash but will climb to second if they secure the three points at relegation-threatened Hull, who are one point and one place above the bottom.
In other Liverpool news, one of the club’s attacking midfielders is on the wanted list of one of England’s biggest clubs.
We’ve launched an << EXCLUSIVE TRANSFER WINDOW NEWS FEED>>. ‘Like Us’ on Facebook by clicking here if you want 24/7 updates on all Liverpool transfer news