The SIX Leeds United players who will be absent against Liverpool - including two key men

Liverpool aim to close the gap with Manchester City to just three points in the Premier League title race on Wednesday evening.

The Reds welcome Leeds United to Anfield and will fancy their chances of racking up a ninth successive victory in all competitions.

Background

The battle for the top-flight crown has burst into life after last weekend's results.

Jurgen Klopp's side defeated Norwich City 3-1 courtesy of goals from Sadio Mane, Mo Salah and Luis Diaz.

And later that evening, City suffered a 3-2 loss at Tottenham Hotspur - in which they conceded the losing goal in stoppage-time.

With Liverpool still to face Pep Guardiola’s side at the Etihad, things have got very interesting.

For the visit of Leeds, who were beaten 4-2 by Manchester United on Sunday, Diogo Jota (ankle) and Roberto Firmino (muscle) are doubts for the Reds.

But the Whites have at least six players who will be absent in their battle to avoid relegation.

Leeds United’s injury list

Kalvin Phillips has been heavily linked with a potential future move to Liverpool.

The midfielder could look to depart his boyhood club down the line to fulfil his ambitions of winning silverware.

Phillips will be desperate to get back to action as Leeds bid to stave off the drop, having been sidelined since suffering a hamstring injury against Brentford in December.

But the England international still won't be fit until next month.

Liam Cooper suffered a similar problem in the same game at Phillips. The centre-back won't be available until a similar period as his team-mate.

The Whites are also missing Patrick Bamford leading the line. The striker has been plagued by a foot injury all season and managed only eight appearances.

Bamford is still feeling pain and manager Marcelo Bielsa recently admitted that a return date is unknown.

Meanwhile, Leo Hjelde limped off in the 3-0 loss to Everton earlier this month.

The Elland Road club are giving him 20 days to recover and he will undergo surgery if that's not the case.

Indeed, Sam Greenwood was forced to go under the knife for a knee setback last month. He's ruled out for the rest of the campaign.

To compound Leeds' troubles, Robin Koch suffered a head injury in their loss to Manchester United.

The FA's return to play protocol means any player who has a suspected concussion must rest for six days.