Why Joe Gomez and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are missing for Liverpool against Cardiff
Why Joe Gomez and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are missing for Liverpool against Cardiff
In a 4th round that has already thrown up plenty of shocks and nail-biting moments for several Premier League sides, Liverpool will be hoping for an altogether more simple affair as they take on struggling Championship side Cardiff at Sunday lunchtime.
The Welsh outfit currently sit in 20th, a full 38 places behind Jurgen Klopp’s side in the football pyramid,but have won their last two games in all competitions and travel to Anfield looking to make it three on the bounce.
#LIVCAR
Here’s how we line-up for the #EmiratesFACup fourth round
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) February 6, 2022
However, it is a strong Liverpool side that awaits them. Diogo Jota, Virgil Van Dijk, Jordan Henderson and Trent Alexander-Arnold are all what could be considered starting XI players in any game that the reds play, while the likes of Kostas Tsimikas, Roberto Firmino, Ibrahima Konate and Naby Keita all see regular Premier League gametime too.
Meanwhile, there is a potential debut in the pipeline for new addition Luis Diaz, who completed his visa checks and work permit clearance in time to make the substitutes bench for Klopp and co..
Gomez and Oxlade-Chamberlain miss out
However, there is no space for English duo Alex Oxlade Chamberlain and Joe Gomez, both of whom have been pushed to the fringes of the squad in recent times. However, both would likely have played this tie, with Klopp keen to keep his players fresh for other fights.
Unfortunately, though, the pair have both tested positive for COVID-19, and therefore could take no part in the encounter.
Joe Gomez and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain not in the squad today due to testing positive for COVID.
— This Is Anfield (@thisisanfield) February 6, 2022
We wish them a speedy recovery.
