Naby Keita back, Rhian Brewster and Kelleher set for Liverpool debuts in EFL Carabao Cup
Liverpool's starting XI in the EFL Carabao Cup match against MK Dons could include Rhian Brewster and Caoimhin Kelleher, as well as Naby Keita.
Rhian Brewster and Caoimhin Kelleher are in line to make their first senior appearances for Liverpool in tomorrow's EFL Carabao Cup clash with MK Dons, assistant manager Pepijn Lijnders has confirmed. England Under-21 international Brewster is yet to be selected by Jürgen Klopp in a competitive match - though he was on the bench for the Premier League win at Chelsea on Sunday - but is now due to get a chance after signing a long-term deal over a year ago. Brewster helped England win the Under-17 World Cup in 2017 and scored eight times during the tournament, netting hat-tricks in the quarter-final and semi-final wins over the United States and Brazil respectively.
Brewster "the complete striker"
"He has goals in him, he has technique, good physically," Lijnders told a news conference. "He's a complete striker - typical nine who can come to the first post, score with his head, turn in the box, play one-on-one, score a scruffy goal as well, unbelievable shot, and a good boy."
Cup tie chance for Kelleher
Goalkeeper Kelleher, 20, was also among the subs against Chelsea and Lijnders revealed the Reds blocked potential loan moves as they felt he was ready to feature for the first team now. "We didn't let him go out on loan at the start of the season because we felt he was ready to be involved in our goalkeepers' set-up," Lijnders added. "He is ready for it, that's for sure. He's a boy who has unbelievable speed of reactions. What makes him really special is his build-up play, he's calm on the ball, understands the game, can play inside, outside. There's a calmness over him, even in one-v-one situations."
Lijnders also confirmed midfielder Naby Keita will likely be involved having been sidelined since last month with a hip injury. "He is in a really good way. What a boy!" Lijnders added. "He makes our build-up play completely different, he creates unpredictability, how the ball moves forward. He's an important player and hopefully we can use him in the next weeks. Tomorrow will be a day where he will shine."
Mané due back in training
Though 16-year-old Harvey Elliott may also feature, Xherdan Shaqiri will be missing having suffered a slight calf tear on Monday. Lijnders also confirmed Sadio Mané is due to return to training on Thursday after coming off during the second half against Chelsea.