This Sunday, Liverpool take on Chelsea at Wembley in the Carabao Cup final, where the first domestic silverware of the season is up for grabs.
Not since Jürgen Klopp’s first season at Liverpool have the Reds been involved in the Carabao Cup final, so it’s a big day for the Merseysiders.
Unfortunately, Liverpool will be without Roberto Firmino, who is struggling with an adductor issue (Daily Mail).
However, Klopp will also be without another of his Brazilian stars, although this absence is of the German’s own making.
What’s the story?
Well, Alisson will miss the clash with Chelsea, as Caoimhin Kelleher gets set to start his first major final.
Klopp has used the 23-year-old as his No.1 in the Carabao Cup this season, and confirmed that the Irishman would start the final.
As quoted by the Guardian, the 54-year-old said: “My idea is to play him. Caoimhin deserves that. He brought the team there.”
Now, as harsh as it may sound, we think Klopp needs to be ruthless and start Alisson against the Blues instead.
Liverpool must deliver crushing news to Caoimhin Kelleher
The Irishman has played a huge role in Liverpool’s run to the final.
Kelleher saved two penalties from Leicester in the quarter-final shootout at Anfield to help the Reds progress, and you can see why Klopp wants him to start.
However, when you have Europe’s best glovesman in your ranks, and a piece of silverware staring you straight in the face, it’s time to be ruthless.
Despite Kelleher’s heroics, Klopp must put out his best Liverpool XI against Thomas Tuchel, which includes Alisson.
Look at it this way.
Takumi Minamino has shone in the Carabao Cup so far this season with four goals in five games, but Klopp isn’t going to start the Japan international above the likes of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, Luis Diaz or Diogo Jota, is he?
It will, undoubtedly, be devastating news for Kelleher to hear, but with a trophy on the line for Liverpool, Klopp must act ruthlessly.
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