Liverpool Team News: Key Players Out for Fulham Clash – Impact Analysis and Tactical Adjustments

Liverpool faces Fulham at Anfield on January 3rd, 2026, with a depleted squad. Jurgen Klopp will have to reshuffle his lineup due to injuries and international call-ups, potentially impacting the team’s attacking threat and midfield stability. This analysis will delve into the expected impact of these absences on Liverpool’s performance and tactical approach.

Liverpool’s Injury Crisis Ahead of Fulham Match

Key Absences: Salah, Endo, Robertson, and Jota Set to Miss Out

Liverpool will be without several key players for their clash against Fulham. The most significant absence is that of Mohamed Salah, who has departed for international duty with Egypt ahead of the African Cup of Nations. According to Transfermarkt data, Salah has scored 14 goals and provided 8 assists in the Premier League this season (transfermarkt.com). His absence will undoubtedly impact Liverpool’s attacking output.

Wataru Endo is also unavailable due to international commitments with Japan for the Asian Cup, leaving a hole in Liverpool’s midfield. Endo has been a crucial defensive presence, averaging 2.1 tackles per game according to WhoScored.com data (whoscored.com). Andy Robertson continues to recover from his shoulder injury sustained earlier in the season, while Diogo Jota is also sidelined with a knee injury. Jota’s absence further weakens Liverpool’s attacking options, as he has contributed 5 goals in the Premier League this season.

Tactical Adjustments and Predicted Lineup

Klopp will likely need to make significant changes to his starting eleven. Cody Gakpo is expected to fill in for Salah on the right wing, while Darwin Nunez will lead the line. In midfield, Ryan Gravenberch and Harvey Elliott are likely to feature alongside Alexis Mac Allister. Defensively, Kostas Tsimikas will continue to deputize for Robertson at left-back.

The tactical impact of these changes will be significant. Without Salah’s pace and directness, Liverpool may rely more on intricate passing patterns and crosses into the box. Endo’s absence will require Mac Allister to take on more defensive responsibilities, potentially limiting his ability to contribute in the final third. Liverpool may need to rely more on set-pieces and counter-attacks to create goal-scoring opportunities.

As of Matchday 19, Liverpool sit 2nd in the Premier League with 42 points, having scored 45 goals and conceded 18. Their recent form has been strong, with four wins in their last five league games. However, their expected goals (xG) have dipped slightly in the last two matches, indicating a potential decline in attacking efficiency (premierleague.com). The absence of key players could exacerbate this trend.

Match Statistics

Here’s a comparison of Liverpool’s average statistics this season with their performance in their previous match against Newcastle:

• Possession: 62% (Premier League average, premierleague.com)
• Shots: 18 per game (Premier League average, premierleague.com)
• Passes: 550 per game (Premier League average, premierleague.com)
• Expected Goals (xG): 2.1 per game (Premier League average, premierleague.com)

Fulham’s Threat and Key Players

Fulham, managed by Marco Silva, will be looking to capitalize on Liverpool’s injury woes. Key players to watch out for include striker Raúl Jiménez, who has found his form in recent weeks, and Andreas Pereira, who provides creativity in midfield. Fulham’s counter-attacking threat could pose a challenge to Liverpool’s makeshift defense.

Predicted Match Outcome

Despite the absences, Liverpool should still have enough quality to secure a victory at Anfield. However, Fulham’s resilience and counter-attacking prowess could make it a closely contested match. A 2-1 victory for Liverpool is a likely outcome.

Match FAQs

Will Mohamed Salah’s absence significantly impact Liverpool’s attack?

Yes, Salah’s absence will undoubtedly impact Liverpool’s attack. He is their leading goalscorer and provides a constant threat with his pace and dribbling ability.

How will Klopp adjust his tactics to cope with the injuries?

Klopp will likely reshuffle his lineup, giving opportunities to players like Gakpo, Elliott, and Gravenberch. He may also adjust his tactical approach, focusing more on set-pieces and counter-attacks.

What are Fulham’s strengths that Liverpool need to be wary of?

Fulham’s strengths lie in their counter-attacking ability and the form of striker Raúl Jiménez. Liverpool need to be defensively solid and avoid giving away possession in dangerous areas.

This analysis is based on match observation, recent team performances, and official statistical sources.