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Joel Matip absence explained as Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp makes six changes
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has named another new centre-back pairing to face off against Brighton.
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Liverpool defender Joel Matip has been left out of the squad to take on Brighton. The Reds can move three points clear at the top of the table with a win on the south coast this afternoon.
And Jurgen Klopp has utilised his squad depth again to make ghost of changes from the 2-0 defeat to Atalanta.
Neco Williams is the only defender to retain his place in defence with Matip, Rhys Williams and Kostas Tsimikas all being replaced.
Andy Robertson has come back in to take his usual spot at left back with Fabinho being partnered by Nat Phillips in defence.
Takumi Minamino has also come in to midfield, taking Curtis Jones' place.
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And Klopp has opted to give Sadio Mane a rest, starting a front three of Mohamed Salah, Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino.
Matip hasn't even been named on the bench, with Rhys Williams named as the back-up centre-back.
But BT Sport have eased fears for Liverpool fans that it's down to an injury setback.
They claim the Cameroonian is on a load management programme to prevent any further injuries.
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Klopp has limited senior options in defence with both Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez facing lengthy spells on the sidelines.
Both Fabinho and Matip have also had their injury troubles this season.
The game against Leicester was only Matip's third league start of the campaign having been unavailable for five of their opening fixtures.
Fabinho meanwhile picked up a hamstring injury against Atalanta before the international break.
Despite their limited options, reports have suggested that Liverpool currently have no plans to bring in cover in January.
They have supposedly been offered Ezequiel Garay, who is currently a free agent after leaving Valencia earlier in the year, but he's not of interest to Liverpool.
Liverpool XI: Alisson; N Williams, Phillips, Fabinho, Robertson; Wijnaldum, Milner, Minamino; Jota, Firmino, Salah
Subs: Adrian, Mane, Henderson, Jones, Tsimikas, Origi, R Williams