Overview
- Arne Slot confirmed before kick-off that Florian Wirtz was absent with a stomach infection after he could not train on the eve of the game.
- Wirtz had returned to training earlier in the week and was described as in contention, but staff ruled him unfit for the 20-man squad.
- Alisson Becker and Mohamed Salah also missed out with hamstring injuries and have not yet rejoined full training.
- Giorgi Mamardashvili returned in goal after recovering from a wound sustained in the Everton win, and Alexander Isak was named among the substitutes.
- Liverpool would move nine points clear of sixth with three matches left if they beat Chelsea, which would make a top-four return almost certain due to goal difference.