Jurgen Klopp will have to make do without three of his squad as Liverpool hope to continue to challenge Manchester United in their showdown for second place as they welcome Newcastle United to Anfield on Saturday evening.

Georginio Wijnaldum and Ben Woodburn have both ruled out through illness.

And although there was a suggestion that long-term injury sufferer Nathaniel Clyne could potentially make his return against the Toon after playing 90 minutes for the Under-23’s midweek, Klopp insists it is still too soon for first-team football for the England international.

“Woodburn and Wijnaldum have been ill for a week or so. It’s more than a cold”, Klopp told his pre-match press conference.

“Clyney has no rhythm and will need more games to be at his best.”

However there are some positives on the medical front at Liverpool with both James Milner and Jordan Henderson expected to be fit this.

“We have no big injuries, it’s true, and hopefully it stays like this”, the German added.

“Milner got a knock in the last time, and that hurts a bit, it’s not an injury. Hendo is fine.”

Mohamed Salah will definitely continue in the Liverpool attack, as he looks to find the back of the net for the seventh successive clash this weekend, with that feat last achieved by Daniel Sturridge in 2014.

Alongside the ‘Egyptian King’ should be Roberto Firmino, who is attempting to continue his excellent run of form which has seen him score 15 times in his last 18 starts.

Rafael Benitez is still a legend on the Kop.

Visiting manager Rafa Benitez, who is sure to get a warm reception from Liverpool fans, has never tasted defeat as the opposing manager when taking on the Reds but Klopp believes he can undo that trend considering the firepower the German’s outfit currently possess.

Likely Liverpool XI: Karius; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson; Oxlade-Chamberlain, Henderson, Can; Salah, Firmino, Mane.