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Klopp explains Liverpool team selection after dropping Salah and Alexander-Arnold
JURGEN KLOPP has explained his thinking behind Liverpool's team selection against Crystal Palace.
Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold scores STUNNING free kick
Liverpool drew 3-3 with Watford in their opening Premier League game of the season, with Mohamed Salah scoring and setting up another.
But the Egypt international, who arrived this summer as the club's record signing, has been dropped to the bench for today's visit of Crystal Palace.
And Klopp admits he chose to start Daniel Sturridge ahead of Salah to build up the striker's fitness after picking up an injury in pre-season.
“I really think we did absolutely more than OK so far, but we cannot close our eyes and say we will try as long as these boys can go.
Jurgen Klopp explains team selection
Mohamed Salah dropped against Crystal Palace
It was clear we had to make changes
“Offensively, Daniel is back and that’s good news.
"I think it makes sense after a very good period pre-season then a short break with a little muscle thing that we bring him in immediately and try to use his quality. That’s the plan.”
While at the back Trent Alexander-Arnold, who scored a stunning free-kick in the midweek win over Hoffenheim, has been replaced by Joe Gomez at right-back.
And Klopp admits he had to give the 18-year-old a rest this weekend.
“It was clear we had to make changes, especially with Trent. We cannot push him through all of the games and we have the opportunities to change, so that’s why we did it at the back.
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