Who’s doubtful for Liverpool’s trip to Leeds, who could make a surprise start and predicted XI

Liverpool restart their Premier League campaign after the international break with a trip to Leeds United on Sunday (16.30 BST).

After picking up seven points from their opening three matches, Jurgen Klopp will be hoping for another positive result at Elland Road.

We take a look at the key questions and dilemmas the Reds boss is posed with when it comes to selecting his starting line-up.

Who’s definitely absent?

Roberto Firmino has been confirmed as a casualty.

The striker limped off in the 42nd minute against Chelsea before the international break and is still to make a full recovery.

Who’s doubtful?

Brazil duo Alisson and Fabinho have now been given clearance to play having looked like they would be banned after the Reds blocked them from going on international duty.

The country is on the UK’s Covid-19 travel red list and they’d have had to quarantine for 10 days on return.

FIFA did try to prevent eight Premier League clubs from fielding their South American stars who were kept back.

Meanwhile, Takumi Minamino pulled out of Japan duty with a setback while James Milner has been nursing a problem.

Youngster Neco Williams was also forced to drop out of the Wales set-up with a complaint.

Could a surprise selection be sprung?

There have been some suggestions that Ibrahima Konate could come in for his debut after joining for £36 million from RB Leipzig earlier in the summer.

In truth, it’s difficult to see. The centre-back pairing of Virgil van Dijk and Joel Matip have conceded only one goal in three games and repelled Romelu Lukaku superbly in the 1-1 draw with Chelsea last time out.

Otherwise, it’ll be as expected.

Are there any selection headaches?

Not now that Alisson and Fabinho can play.

Previously, Klopp would have had to consider to go with either youngster Caoimhin Kelleher or veteran Adrian in goal to replace Alisson.

In midfielder, he’d have likely shifted Jordan Henderson to shield the back four in place of Fabinho.

What about the opposition?

While Liverpool will be delighted to have their Brazilian duo available, it means Leeds can also play arguably their most potent weapon in Raphina.

The forward has been linked with the Reds in the past.

Defender Robin Koch is a confirmed absence.

Predicted starting line-up (4-3-3 formation)

Goalkeeper - Alisson: A big boost he is back. The stopper has shipped just one goal in three games so far this term.

Right-back - Trent Alexander-Arnold: Gareth Southgate’s England experiment by deploying Alexander-Arnold in midfielder simply didn’t work against Andorra. Even Klopp couldn’t fathom the approach. A return to the right-hand side of defence where he’s started the season superbly will be in order.

Centre-back - Joel Matip: Matip’s began the campaign in excellent form and doesn’t warrant being dropped at all.

Centre-back - Virgil van Dijk: The Dutchman survived an injury scare on international duty. There’s no chance he won’t be starting if fully fit.

Left-back - Andy Robertson: The Scotland international didn’t have his best game against Chelsea after returning from an ankle injury. However, he’s played three times for his country and will be in much better shape.

Defensive-midfield - Fabinho: The former Monaco man will be tasked with breaking down Leeds’ slick forays.

Centre-midfield - Naby Keita: Elliott’s started the past two games impeccably but pulled out of the England under-21s squad with a knock. The Reds will need energy against Bielsa’s high-octane side. Should everything be fine with Keita after being caught up in an attempted coup in Guinea then he could return to the starting XI.

Centre-midfield - Jordan Henderson: Returns to Anfield fresh after playing just one full game for England during the international break.

Right-wing - Mo Salah: An easy decision, with the Egyptian netting twice already in the opening three games.

Striker - Diogo Jota: It was perhaps harsh he was dropped against Chelsea after two goals in as many matches. Jota scored twice for Portugal during the international break and should be full of confidence.

Left-wing - Sadio Mane: Another straightforward selection for Klopp. Mane bagged twice for Senegal during the international break,

Subs: Caoimhin Kellehe, Joe Gomez, Ibrahima Konate, Kostas Tsimikas, Thiago Alcantara, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Curtis Jones, Harvey Elliott, Divock Origi.