Liverpool will open the 2021-22 Premier League season against Norwich City without first-choice left-back Andy Robertson.
The Scotland international sustained damage to ankle ligaments during a pre-season friendly with Athletic Bilbao, and Jurgen Klopp is unsure whether he will be able to return before the international break.
James Milner has been forced to deputise as an emergency left-back on several occasions, but Kostas Tsimikas has proved his worth to Liverpool during pre-season and will earn a start at Carrow Road.
Klopp has also expressed optimism over Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez's chances of starting on the opening day, while new arrival Ibrahima Konate - at full fitness - should certainly be handed a place.
Joel Matip has also put his name in the hat, and it remains to be seen which member of the long-term injured trio will be deemed ready enough to start, but Van Dijk would be the obvious choice to get the nod if Klopp is spoilt for choice.
Jordan Henderson is still working his way back from a groin injury and his Euro 2020 exploits, while Curtis Jones is out with concussion, so Milner could feature alongside Fabinho and Thiago Alcantara in the engine room, leaving Naby Keita to watch on from the bench.
Teenage attacker Harvey Elliott has caught the eye with his energetic pre-season displays, but Klopp should stick with the tried-and-tested front three of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino for the time being.
Liverpool possible starting lineup: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Fabinho, Thiago, Milner; Salah, Firmino, Mane
Ben Knapton
