Liverpool title hopes ‘hugely boosted’ after Pearce update – pundit
Paul Robinson is adamant Liverpool can push Manchester City all the way for the title this season with key players set to return after the international break.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Premier League goalkeeper said the return of stars like Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Thiago Alcantara will be “a huge, huge boost.”
According to The Athletic‘s James Pearce (24 January), Salah, Mane, Thiago and Naby Keita should be available and fit for Liverpool’s next Premier League game against Leicester City on 10 February.
Salah, Mane and Keita have been away at the African Cup of Nations with their respective countries.
Thiago is currently stepping up his rehabilitation from a hip injury.
He has been sidelined since mid-December.
When asked by Football Insider for his reaction to Pearce’s update, Robinson said: “That’s a huge, huge boost.
“Let’s be honest, when you look at the table it is hard to see anyone but City winning the title. It is certainly theirs to lose.
“If anyone is capable of putting a run together though, it is Liverpool. If they are going to go on a winning run they will need their best players fit and available.
“The holy grail for Pep Guardiola is the Champions League. He has won numerous Premier Leagues. At the end of the day, he was brought in to win the Champions League.
“It will be interesting to see if their form is effected by the Champions League knockout stages. Will they take their eye off the Premier League? Guardiola may rotate his team for the Premier League games. I’m sure the Champions League will be their priority.
“Liverpool are the only team that can challenge them.”
In other news, a finance guru has claimed new Liverpool hire will ‘break new ground’ as £217m-plus reveal expected soon.