Liverpool XI vs Bologna: Injury Concerns and Predicted Lineup for Champions League Clash

Liverpool face an important Champions League fixture against Bologna this week, but injuries to key players could impact their starting XI. Andy Robertson and Darwin Nunez remain major doubts, raising questions about the lineup Jürgen Klopp will field at Anfield.

After a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Wolves, which saw goals from Ibrahima Konate and Mohamed Salah, Liverpool are still dealing with the after-effects of that match. Left-back Robertson was substituted late on, and his availability for the Bologna clash is now under scrutiny. Meanwhile, Darwin Nunez missed the Wolves game due to illness but could return

Manager Arne Slot, who is in charge of Liverpool’s upcoming European campaign, expressed cautious optimism about Robertson’s condition. “I don’t expect this to be a big problem, although you never know,” he said post-match. “End phase of the game, maybe he was a bit tired as well because the guy who came in – Forbs, I knew him, of course, from the Dutch competition – he made it a real fight for him.”

Though Slot sounded confident, Robertson’s participation still hangs in the balance. Should the Scotsman be ruled out, Kostas Tsimikas will likely step in to fill the void on the left flank.

Key Injuries and Concerns

Robertson’s potential absence comes at a critical moment as Liverpool look to secure early points in their Champions League group. The knock he picked up may not seem severe, but with so many fixtures ahead, the club will be cautious. Slot’s approach to player rotation and injury management will be crucial as they aim to compete on multiple fronts.

Darwin Nunez, who missed the Wolves fixture due to illness, could return for the Bologna game, though his condition remains uncertain. The Uruguayan striker is an essential component of Klopp’s attacking plans, especially with Roberto Firmino no longer at the club. Nunez’s energy and ability to stretch defences make him a crucial option in European nights at Anfield.

Harvey Elliot, another long-term absentee, is expected to remain sidelined until late October. His absence leaves a gap in midfield depth, with Klopp likely to rely on the likes of Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister, and Ryan Gravenberch to fill the creative void.

Tactical Adjustments and Predicted Lineup

Assuming Robertson doesn’t pass his fitness test, Tsimikas will get the nod at left-back. Kostas has proven himself a reliable understudy to Robertson, and his delivery from wide areas could be a useful tool against a Bologna side likely to sit deep at Anfield.

In attack, the front three of Salah, Diogo Jota, and Luis Diaz seems likely, with Nunez potentially starting from the bench depending on his recovery. With AC Milan already brushed aside in their opening group game, Klopp will want to maintain momentum with another three points.

Liverpool’s midfield continues to be an area of experimentation this season. Szoboszlai and Mac Allister have brought new energy and dynamism to the team, and alongside Gravenberch, they look poised to dominate the middle of the park.

Predicted Liverpool XI: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, Gravenberch; Diaz, Jota, Salah.

Kickoff Time and Broadcast Information

Liverpool will host Bologna at Anfield on Wednesday, 2 October, with kick-off set for 8 pm BST. The match will be broadcast live on TNT Sports, ensuring fans can follow every moment of this crucial Champions League tie.