Ibrahima Konate misses out for Liverpool as Jurgen Klopp drafts in Joel Matip as his replacement at West Ham United.
Klopp revealed in his pre-match press conference on Tuesday that France international Konate had missed training with an unspecified issue but remained hopeful of being able to select the defender at the London Stadium.
However, Konate has not been passed fit for the match meaning Matip steps in at centre-back alongside Virgil van Dijk for his first start since the draw with Chelsea on April 4 as the Reds look to extend their unbeaten run to five games in the Premier League.
READ MORE: Liverpool kit change on horizon as 'headache' strip worn for final time against West Ham
READ MORE: Trent Alexander-Arnold may have reignited team-mate's Liverpool career after position switch
It is understood Konate's problem is not thought to be serious but Klopp has decided against risking the defender ahead of Sunday's visit from Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield.
In midfield, Klopp keeps the same trio that have started the last three matches together as Curtis Jones is again named alongside Fabinho and captain Jordan Henderson. It's also expected that Trent Alexander-Arnold will shift into a central midfield role when in possession as the No.66 continues what has so far proven to be a fruitful tactical experiment.
Alexander-Arnold has created four assists in his last matches when operating more as a central midfielder with the ball, which was more than his previous 28 appearances in the top flight.
Up top, Cody Gakpo leads the line with the in-form duo of Mohamed Salah and Diogo Jota on the right and left, respectively. Salah and Jota have shared seven goals between them in Liverpool's last two fixtures.
Liverpool team: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson; Fabinho, Jones, Henderson; Salah, Gakpo, Jota. Subs: Kelleher, Gomez, Thiago, Milner, Elliott, Tsimikas, Diaz, Nunez, Carvalho.
West Ham team: Fabianski; Coufal, Aguerd, Zouma, Cresswell; Soucek, Rice; Benrahma, Paqueta, Bowen; Antonio. Subs: Areola, Ogbonna, Kehrer, Emerson, Fornals, Lanzini, Downes, Cornet, Ings.
READ NEXT:
- Mount, Gravenberch, Caicedo and where things may stand on eight Liverpool transfer 'targets'
- Jurgen Klopp addresses Fabio Carvalho situation at Liverpool amid loan rumours
- Liverpool plan to improve on £247m revenues with new sponsorships
Jurgen Klopp says Liverpool are in 'constant contact' with youngster via WhatsApp
