Jurgen Klopp Says Simon Mignolet Will Start EFL Cup Match Against Chelsea, More
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp confirmed on Tuesday that Simon Mignolet will start Wednesday's Carabao Cup match against Chelsea.
The tactician said the Belgian deserves the start during his pre-match press conference:
He also provided an injury update on centre-back Virgil van Dijk:
Wednesday's clash will be the first of two between Chelsea and Liverpool this week, as the duo lock horns again in the Premier League on Saturday, with the latter certain to take greater priority.
Given his health concerns, Van Dijk is unlikely to be risked. Dejan Lovren has also been struggling but appears to be closing in on a return:
While Saturday's match will be the priority, Klopp urged his players not to look too far ahead. He emphasised how much the team enjoys cup competitions and how they'll take this one seriously:
The main question ahead of Wednesday's match is how much both managers will rotate their squads. Maurizio Sarri has already shown a willingness to leave out some of his biggest stars, as he didn't even take Eden Hazard with him for the UEFA Europa League match against PAOK.
Klopp said he wouldn't make wholesale changes, although Mignolet's inclusion suggests some backups are likely to feature:
The Belgian stopper was mostly second choice last year and has not featured yet this season after the summer arrival of Alisson Becker. Kristof Terreur of Het Laatste Nieuws noted it's been some time since he appeared in an official match:
Wednesday's clash will be at Liverpool's home of Anfield before the two sides meet again at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
