Danny Ings Left Out of Squad to Face Arsenal

Despite Daniel Sturridge’s questionable injury status, there is no room on the bench today for Liverpool striker Danny Ings, as the striker has been sent to play with the U23 reserve side facing Southampton today. As a result, Liverpool are likely to face Arsenal with only Divock Origi and Roberto Firmino options to play up top.

Given how pre-season played out, with Firmino apparently preferred as a tactical and situational third choice to Klopp’s top two strikers, this isn’t an entirely surprising move. Still, given Sturridge’s fitness struggles and that Klopp recently insisted Ings would have a role this season, many had assumed he would be involved today.

Meanwhile, while Ings will be occupied with the U23s along with young fringe first teamers Ben Woodburn and Connor Randall, one player who won’t be playing with the reserves and is expected to be named to the matchday squad against Arsenal as a result is 17-year-old midfielder and fullback Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Alexander-Arnold impressed during pre-season, and this would appear to confirm that the youngster has managed to pass Randall on the depth chart and that, barring any late signings, he will enter the season as backup to Nathaniel Clyne at right back.