JOSE MOURINHO has dismissed Liverpool’s injury crisis heading into Tottenham’s top of the table clash at Anfield.
Mourinho has started the mind games by suggesting the hosts are close to full strength.
Jose Mourinho faces Jurgen Klopp in their top of the table Premier League clashCredit: Reuters
Klopp has been critical of the scheduling of matches this season and vocal in his frustration at the amount of injuries in his squad.
But Mourinho aimed an early dig by suggesting the only key first-team player currently missing for the champions is defender Virgil van Dijk.
Ahead of Wednesday’s clash at Anfield, Mourinho said: “I think Alisson is not injured, [Trent] Alexander-Arnold is not injured, [Joel] Matip I believe he’s going to play, Fabinho is not injured, [Andy] Robertson is not injured, [Mo] Salah is not injured, [Roberto] Firmino is not injured and [Sadio] Mane isn’t injured.
“Van Dijk is injured and he’s a very good player of course, but give me a list of Liverpool’s injuries and compare that list with the best Liverpool team. I can give you a list of ten injuries at Tottenham.
“We have two kids with the Under-16s with injuries, we have two other in the Under-21s and three in the Under-23s.
“We have [Erik] Lamela and [Japhet] Tanganga and then we have a list of ten players.
“But is [Hugy] Lloris injured? No. [Toby] Alderweireld injured? No. [Eric] Dier injured? No. Harry Kane injured? No. So where are the injuries?
“Injuries are normal and every club now and again have injuries. Liverpool have a big injury which is Van Dijk.”
Mourinho chose not to mention Liverpool are currently without the likes of Joe Gomez or summer signings Thiago Alcantara and Diogo Jota in his pre-match press conference.
Liverpool missed the chance to move top of the table after drawing 1-1 at Fulham on Sunday.
This came hours after leaders Spurs’ draw at Crystal Palace which leaves the sides separated only by goal difference.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk