Liverpool star ruled out as Newcastle United set to make decision on key duo - team news

Liverpool and Newcastle United are set to have two of their key men available for tonight’s Premier League clash at Anfield.

Arne Slot has confirmed Alexis Mac Allister is likely to feature, despite sustaining a swollen cheekbone and a black eye during Sunday’s 2-0 victory at Manchester City.

Meanwhile, Sandro Tonali is in line for a return to Newcastle’s starting XI after a hamstring issue meant he was only fit enough to make the bench for the 4-3 win over Nottingham Forest.

The Italian was brought on in the 70th minute at St James’ Park and after coming through unscathed, head coach Eddie Howe “anticipates he’ll be fully fit” for the visit to Anfield.

Newcastle United hope for double injury boost

Howe also revealed during his pre-match press conference that Sven Botman and Joelinton are close to a return having been sidelined since the beginning of February with knee issues.

“Sven's improving and he's improving quickly, so we'll see whether he makes the game or not,” Howe told reporters. “He'll be close.

“Again with Joe, similar to Sven, he is really improving, doing really well, pushing. Again he is another player that will be close.

“I think Joe is always important from a number of perspectives and certainly defensively and defending set plays are two of those key aspects of our play that we have missed when he is not there.

“He brings a physicality and a strength that when he is missing is an obvious presence that we’re missing in our midfield. Joey is a massive player for us and we hope to get him fit very soon.”

Liverpool duo ruled out

Speaking ahead of Newcastle’s visit to Merseyside, Slot officially ruled out Conor Bradley, revealing the right-back will be sidelined for a “few weeks” with the hamstring issue he picked up against Aston Villa last week.

“He is out for a few weeks,” said the Dutchman. “I cannot tell exactly how many but it is clear he went off with a muscle injury and it’s clear it is going to take a while before he is back.”

Joe Gomez recently underwent surgery and he is in the same boat as Newcastle captain Jamaal Lascelles, with the hope both players can return towards the end of the campaign.