Jurgen Klopp has confirmed that Simon Mignolet will start in goal against Chelsea in Wednesday night’s Carabao Cup tie at Anfield.
The Belgian hasn’t played for the Reds since the 3-2 FA Cup defeat to West Brom in January, losing his place to Loris Karius in the team for the remainder of the season.
Mignolet was then widely expected to leave Anfield in the summer following the £65m arrival of Alisson, but instead Karius was allowed to leave the club following his errors in May’s Champions League final, going on loan to Besiktas.
Alisson has only conceded two goals in his six Premier League appearances as the Reds sit on top of the table .
Mignolet – who has been at Anfield since 2013, playing 200 games for the club – had expressed his disappointment at being forced to stay as Alisson’s No.2, but Klopp praised him in Tuesday’s press conference prior to the Chelsea game.
“The only position I will confirm today is Simon will start,” he said.
“He’s been brilliant for me. All the rest you gave to wait until tomorrow but it will be a good team.”
Klopp added that while he won’t make 11 changes for the game, the clash could also see a first return for Dejan Lovren since his World Cup injury, while Dominic Solanke could also figure.
Divock Origi and Adam Lallana are out though.
“Dejan looks actually quite good, he’s trained now four times and had a very intense period before that with fitness guys for 10 days, so he looks ready.
“Divock has an ankle, will be back next week, not now. Adam has trained with the team, not full session. Not long. Solanke is fine.”