02 January 2023 , 07:00
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Cody Gakpo could make his Liverpool debut in their Premier League game against Brentford in London on Monday evening - but only if all the documents are signed.
Gakpo, 23, officially became a Liverpool player on New Year's Day after agreeing a £45million move from PSV Eindhoven. The only stumbling block is whether he will be registered to play in time for the Brentford game due to the complexity of the paperwork.
The Premier League's administrative team are not expected to be working on Monday due to the bank holiday, so there's a good chance Gakpo won't be registered until Tuesday. Liverpool are yet to confirm his availability, with Jurgen Klopp having doubts.
If Gakpo doesn't play against Brentford, he will make his Reds debut against FA Cup rivals Wolves at Anfield on Saturday. "There might be a chance for [a debut against] Brentford, but I think not really," said Klopp in December. "Probably Wolves."
Liverpool are aiming for a fifth consecutive Premier League win on Monday evening to continue their revival. Klopp's side made a poor start to the campaign, but post-World Cup wins against Aston Villa and Leicester have seen them jump up to sixth in the table.
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Frustratingly for Klopp, Liverpool currently have a long injury list. Harvey Elliott (knock) and Andrew Robertson (dead leg) were both forced out of their win against Leicester, although it's hoped they will pass late fitness tests to be involved against Brentford.
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Curtis Jones (shin), James Milner (hamstring) and Roberto Firmino (knock) also fate late fitness tests, while Fabinho could be available after missing the Leicester win to fly to Madrid for the birth of his child. Arthur Melo (thigh), Luis Diaz (knee) and Diogo Jota (calf) are all long-term absentees and won't be involved against the Bees.
Alisson is expected to start in goal as usual - with a back four of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joel Matip, Virgil van Dijk and Kostas Tsimikas. Robertson could start ahead of Tsimikas if passed fit to play, although Klopp may not want to risk the Scotland captain.
In terms of the midfield, Elliott and Fabinho could both start alongside Thiago Alcantara, although Jordan Henderson and Naby Keita are also available. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who has started each of the last two games in attack, is another midfield option.
Mohamed Salah and Darwin Nunez are certain to continue up front, with Fabio Carvalho pushing for the last spot if Gakpo is unavailable. Brentford, meanwhile, are expected to be without Kristoffer Ajer (knee), Shandon Baptiste (muscle strain), Aaron Hickey (ankle) and Frank Onyeka (hamstring) - but Ivan Toney could be available.
Toney suffered a knee injury during the 2-0 win against West Ham, but Thomas Frank has confirmed the injury isn't serious. He told reporters on New Year's Day: "It’s good news with Ivan, it’s not a significant injury. He could potentially be available for tomorrow."
Likely Liverpool XI vs Brentford: Alisson; Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joel Matip, Virgil van Dijk, Kostas Tsimikas; Harvey Elliott, Fabinho, Thiago Alcantara; Mohamed Salah, Darwin Nunez, Fabio Carvalho.