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Liverpool haven’t enjoyed the best start to their Premier League campaign this season, dropping nine points over their first six outings, and this poor form hasn’t been exclusive to league performances.

Indeed, Jurgen Klopp’s side also endured a disastrous start to their Champions League campaign, with a humiliating 4-1 defeat in Naples matching their joint-heaviest loss in the competition.

As such, it is safe to say that the German manager will be hoping that the extended break, alongside a number of his players returning from injury, will make a difference when they return to action against Brighton & Hove Albion this weekend.

Liverpool will host their first game at Anfield since September 13 when they welcome Roberto De Zerbi’s side on Saturday afternoon, and three points are non-negotiable for the Reds if they are to have any hope of competing for the title – as they currently sit eighth in the league.

As a result, it could be the perfect opportunity for Klopp to freshen up the team by deploying a different perspective in the back-line, with Ibrahima Konate finally available for selection following a pre-season injury that has seen him unavailable so far this term.

The talented 23-year-old Frenchman who was hailed an “absolute dream” by Phil Thompson proved his worth to Liverpool last season when he played a vital role in the team, stepping up when it mattered most – especially in the Champions League.

Konate found the back of the net twice in the prestigious competition, as well as offering a solid defensive presence, making 1.6 interceptions, two tackles and 2.9 clearances per game, in addition to winning 59% of his duels – with these returns earning a spot in the starting line-up against Real Madrid in the final.

It would be hard for Klopp to ignore the young centre-back’s record with Liverpool in the Premier League too, as Konate has not lost a single league game he has started since he joined the club in the summer of 2021.

With that being said, it could be a great chance for the 6-foot-3 defender to make his first appearance of the season, as he would undoubtedly terrify Brighton and could help Liverpool take a much-needed three points from the occasion.

Sheffield Wednesday duo George Byers and Mark McGuinness may return from injury against Cheltenham on Saturday.

The Lowdown: Injury absence

Central midfielder Byers was starting to establish himself in Darren Moore’s side, scoring three goals in five League One starts. However, the 26-year-old has been missing for the last three league fixtures with a foot problem.

Meanwhile, defender McGuinness, who arrived on loan in the summer, has been absent in the previous four third-tier fixtures with a muscle strain.

The Latest: Back vs Cheltenham?

Yorkshire Live reporter Oliver Jones relayed an injury update from Moore ahead of Saturday’s meeting with Cheltenham.

He said that Byers and McGuinness ‘both might return against the Robins’, in what would be a timely boost following the midweek defeat to Plymouth.

The Verdict: Fingers crossed

Both Byers and McGuinness were starting to consolidate their place in Moore’s first-choice XI prior to their respective injuries and are rated in Wednesday’s top four 2022/23 performers, as per SofaScore.

Therefore, it would be welcome news if they were to return at Hillsborough tomorrow. McGuinness’ return could be especially timely with concern to defender Reece James in the week, while forward Mallik Wilks also missed the defeat to Plymouth Argyle with a hamstring problem.

Should James miss out, then McGuinness may slot straight back into the side, meaning Moore could have some late calls to make.

Glasgow Rangers reporter for The Athletic Jordan Campbell reports that Ben Davies is ‘being assessed’ after complaining about an injury in midweek.

The Lowdown: Goldson blow

The Ibrox outfit were rocked by the news from The Daily Record on Thursday morning that Connor Goldson is set to face months out, after suffering a suspected thigh muscle tear in the 7-1 loss at home to Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League.

He received medical treatment after a challenge with Darwin Nunez in the first half, hobbling off moments before the half-time whistle to be replaced by Leon King, eventually leaving the stadium on crutches.

The Latest: Davies ‘being assessed’

Taking to Twitter, Campbell has revealed that Davies is also ‘being assessed’ ahead of the Gers’ game away at Motherwell in the Scottish Premiership at Sunday lunchtime, after the central defender ‘felt muscle tightness’ against his former club in midweek, but did not want to come off:

“Ben Davies is being assessed for an injury complaint after the 7-1 defeat to Liverpool. Felt muscle tightness during the game but didn’t want to come off. With Goldson, Helander & Souttar out, King could be the only recognised centre-back available.”

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The Verdict: Crisis

If Davies is ruled out for the Motherwell clash, alongside Goldson and long-term absentees Filip Helander and John Souttar, 18-year-old King would be the only recognised centre-back available in the senior squad.

That will leave Giovanni van Bronckhorst with a tough decision to make over who he would now have to pull out of position to cover in that area of the pitch.

To have four of his five senior centre-halves injured leaves him with a crisis in the heart of the defence, which is certainly not ideal as they look to catch bitter rivals Celtic at the top of the table.

North East reporter for The Daily Mail Craig Hope has shared the latest injury news from Newcastle United involving Joelinton, and it’s what Magpies fans were hoping to hear.

The Lowdown: Pain troubles

Joelinton was taken off at half-time in the St. James’ Park outfit’s 1-0 win at home to Everton in the Premier League on Wednesday night.

The Brazilian was replaced by Joe Willock after picking up a suspected knee injury in the first half, and concerns were heightened given there were reports of the player suffering ‘considerable pain’.

The Latest: Joelinton ‘fine’

Taking to Twitter, Hope shared a significant post-game update from Eddie Howe on Joelinton, claiming that ‘he will be fine’ for their next match away at Tottenham Hotspur, after picking up a ‘knock’ against the Toffees:

“Joelinton took a knock to his knee, but Eddie Howe hopes he will be fine for weekend.”

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The Verdict: Boost

It is certainly a boost for the Toon Army to know that Joelinton’s injury is seemingly not serious, and that he should be able to play a part against Spurs.

The 26-year-old has been the Tynesiders’ fifth-best performer in the top flight so far this season, picking up one assist and one man-of-the-match award, while he has also ranked highly among his team-mates in terms of average shots, aerial duels won, tackles, interceptions, clearances, key passes, dribbles, crosses and through balls per game (WhoScored).

In his new midfield role, Joelinton simply does a little bit of everything for his side, and there is no doubt that the Magpies are a better team when he is playing.

Wolves’ search for a new manager has taken another twist, with reports suggesting that talks are progressing with Julen Lopetegui ahead of him taking over the vacant post at Molineux.

What’s the word?

The Spanish manager, who was recently sacked by Sevilla, was seemingly Wolves’ first choice to take over from Bruno Lage after the Portuguese boss was sacked by the Old Gold in early October.

However, Lopetegui would turn down a move to Molineux due to the ill health of his father, which forced Fosun to consider other options as they look to turn around a woeful start to the season which leaves the Midlands club in the relegation places in the Premier League.

Liam Keen, who covers Wolves for the Express and Star, confirmed the news on Twitter.

He said: “Incredible how football works out…Wolves are back in talks with Julen Lopetegui. It’s progressing well and Wolves are hopeful of appointing him before the World Cup break.”

‘Incredible’ boost

After QPR manager Michael Beale was approached, only for him to also turn down the job, it should be an incredible lift for the club to reignite talks with their initial number one choice.

After all, the failed appointment of Beale led the board to announce that interim manager Steve Davis would remain in charge until after the World Cup break.

Unfortunately, it quickly became clear that the former Crewe Alexandra boss was way out of his depth as he oversaw losses against Chelsea, Crystal Palace and Leicester City, which has seemingly forced the board to reconsider.

And now, it seems as if Lopetegui will be the man to succeed Lage at Molineux, in the hope that the 56-year-old can re-produce the form he showed in the early days of his spell with Sevilla, with whom he won the Europa League in 2020.

Lopetegui will need to improve upon the form he showed with Sevilla earlier this term, however, as the Spanish side won just one of ten games in all competitions, including heavy losses in the Champions League against Manchester City and Borussia Dortmund, which saw him relieved of his duties.

Despite that, the Spaniard still averaged an impressive 1.85 points per game with the Rojiblancos, which is a big improvement on the 1.29 points per game averaged by Lage at Wolves.

Therefore, all being well, Lopetegui can be the man to get Wolves out of the mess they find themselves in and ensure that they are still playing Premier League football this time next year.

Given his CV, he could just be a brilliant appointment for Fosun. As Keen says, it’s remarkable how quickly football can change in the space of a few weeks. For once, there is a sense of optimism and hope surrounding Molineux. This is an unexpected, but incredible boost for the club.

An update has emerged on Newcastle United and their chances of landing Mykhaylo Mudryk in one of the upcoming transfer windows…

What’s the talk?

According to Football Insider, the Shakhtar Donetsk winger is open to making a move to St. James’ Park as the Magpies are currently tracking his progress.

The report claims that the gem is interested in moving to the Premier League and Newcastle, who sent scouts to watch him in action against Celtic earlier this week, are a club he would be willing to join.

It is also stated that Eddie Howe is a fan of the Ukraine international and has already given the higher-ups at the club the green light to pursue the forward.

Huge coup

Signing Mudryk, whether that is in January or next summer, would be a huge coup for Howe as the gem is an immensely talented young player who is attracting interest from a number of clubs.

Liverpool and Arsenal are both reportedly keen on the winger and Brentford had an offer of £26m turned down in the summer transfer window.

This shows that he is not short of potential suitors in the upcoming market and that is why the forward being open to signing for Newcastle is a big boost for the club – as it indicates that other teams, who are in European competitions, eyeing him up has not put him off of the idea of arriving at St. James’ Park.

The attacker has been in fantastic form in the Champions League this season and is showing, at the age of 21, that he has the quality to stand out at the very top level of club football.

These statistics prove that he can be a difference-maker in the final third, and his displays at league level for Shakhtar are also eye-catching. He has scored three goals and provided five assists in six Premier League for the Ukrainian giants, which suggests that his performances in the Champions League are no fluke.

Journalist Josh Bunting claimed that the gem has a “frightening turn of pace” and talent scout Jacek Kulig described him as being “on fire” earlier this season, which is backed up by his goal contributions in all competitions.

The 21-year-old, who has been capped eight times by Ukraine, could make an immediate impact for Newcastle – as he has already proven himself in the Champions League – whilst also holding the potential to grow and develop in the years to come.

Therefore, signing Mudryk would be a huge coup for Howe given the interest in the youngster’s services and his impressive form this season.

Manchester United are interested in making a move for Leeds United midfielder Tyler Adams, according to a new transfer rumour that has emerged.

The Lowdown: Adams impressing at Leeds

The American made the move to Elland Road during the summer transfer window, joining from RB Leipzig after three years in Germany.

Adams has made an impressive start to life at Leeds, standing out as one of their best players and starting a total of 10 Premier League matches to date.

It could be that Leeds have to battle to keep hold of Adams no sooner after he has arrived, however, following a new update.

The Latest: United keen on signing

According to Football Insider, United are ‘keeping close tabs’ on the 23-year-old currently, as they weight up whether or not to make a move for him.

It is stated that they have a ‘long-time interest’ in Adams and he is considered a player who could come in and bolster their midfield options.

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The Verdict: Could be a strong option

Adams has the potential to be an excellent signing by United, possessing the kind of technical quality and energy that Erik ten Hag wants in his midfielders.

The 19-time capped USA international has averaged a hugely impressive 4.1 tackles per game in the league this season – no Leeds player to have started one game or more has a better average – and his ability to break up play can be priceless. Journalist Tim Thornton thinks he has ‘done brilliantly’ in 2022/23 to date.

Adams would arguably prove to be an upgrade and more of a long-term prospect than the likes of Fred and Scott McTominay, both of whom are seen their limitations exposed this season.

With the World Cup set to kick off in Qatar later this month, England manager Gareth Southgate might want to consider calling up West Ham stalwart Aaron Cresswell.

The 32-year-old has enjoyed a strong start to the season and was recently named in SofaScore’s European team of the month after his impressive displays for the Hammers in the month of October.

While Declan Rice and Jarrod Bowen will be the main contenders from West Ham’s squad to make the cut in Qatar, Cresswell’s chances have been significantly boosted in the past week.

Much has been made about the plethora of top-quality right-backs available to Southgate in the England squad but there aren’t too many contenders on the other side.

Luke Shaw seems the likely choice to start there after his great European Championships, which saw him score England’s goal in the final, however, he has lost his starting place at Manchester United to Tyrell Malacia at times this season, with just seven Premier League starts under his belt.

Ben Chilwell’s injury struggles have come to the fore at the worst possible time again, as a hamstring injury picked up for Chelsea in midweek could rule him out of Qatar, which may open up the door for Cresswell instead.

The 32-year-old, who earns £50k-per-week at West Ham, does have three England caps to his name but last made the squad in 2017, despite some impressive form for the Hammers in recent seasons.

Paul Robinson was full of praise for Cresswell in 2021 and suggested that only Shaw and Chilwell were ahead of him in the pecking order for England.

He said:

“Cresswell is an amazing player. Consistency is the word with him. You know what you are going to get week in, week out. He never lets the team down.

“It is just unfortunate for him that England have got so much strength in that position with the likes of Luke Shaw and Ben Chilwell. He has been the unsung hero at West Ham over the past couple of seasons.”

So far this campaign, the former Ipswich Town man has made 12 appearances in the Premier League and averaged a strong 6.84 rating from WhoScored for his performances, which ranks him ahead of the likes of Shaw, Chilwell and Crystal Palace man Tyrick Mitchell, who could be another outside shout heading into the tournament.

Therefore, considering the injury suffered by Chilwell and their respective form so far this campaign, Cresswell should definitely be in contention to board the plane to Qatar in a few weeks’ time.

Aston Villa have scouted Blackburn Rovers forward Ben Brereton Diaz, according to 90min.

The Lowdown: Contract situation

Hailed as an ‘extraordinary talent’ by his former Rovers boss Tony Mowbray, the 23-year-old will soon be entering the final six months of his Ewood Park deal.

The Chile international recently admitted that he would ‘hopefully’ be staying with the Championship outfit until the end of the season as they push for promotion.

He has scored nine goals in 20 league games during the current campaign, with his form seemingly catching the eye of Villa Park officials.

The Latest: Villa linked with Brereton Diaz

90min journalist Graeme Bailey provided an update regarding Brereton Diaz on Tuesday.

The reporter claimed that Villa are among a number of Premier League clubs who have scouted the forward, with a £10m offer in January potentially enough to tempt Blackburn into selling.

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The Verdict: Good idea?

Brereton Diaz can play anywhere across the front three, so he could fit into Unai Emery’s plans after the new manager played a 4-2-3-1 system in his first game in charge at Villa Park.

Described as the ‘face of Pepsi’ in Chile due to massive marketing campaigns following his international success, the Blackburn gem appears to be going from strength to strength and is still just 23 years of age.

Therefore, a cut-price move in 2023 could be a wise idea from NSWE, although they may face plenty of competition for Brereton Diaz’s signature.

Newcastle United are preparing to make an offer for Lille striker Jonathan David in January, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Previous interest in David

The Canadian still has more than two-and-a-half years remaining on his contract with the Ligue 1 club, but following his impressive performances under Paulo Fonseca, he has been the subject of strong interest.

The Magpies eyed a move for the 22-year-old last year, and even though a deal failed to materialise before the deadline, PIF are now taking a second bite at the cherry in a bid to bring him to the Premier League.

The Latest: Newcastle readying David offer

According to French outlet Media Foot (via Sport Witness), Eddie Howe ‘wants an extra man’ up top in 2023, with the 44-year-old having identified David as ‘that player’.

Newcastle are reportedly set to ‘make a new attempt’ to land the forward by ‘making an offer’ in the winter after a previous failed approach.

Whilst the exact amount they are willing to cough up ‘hasn’t filtered’, it’s stated that Lille will find it ‘very difficult’ to keep hold of their star striker.

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The Verdict: Wood replacement?

Chris Wood has failed to make a serious impact at Newcastle this season with only two league starts to his name, so David would most certainly be an upgrade should he depart St. James’ Park.

Dubbed ‘mind-blowing’ by Jacek Kulig, the 5 foot 9 Canadian attacker has nine goals and three assists in 15 appearances this term and is averaging 3.3 shots per game (WhoScored).

Even taking into account their disparity in game-time, David has far more goals and shots per 90 minutes than Wood, along with a better rate for shots on target and successful passes (FBRef), so he could certainly be considered an upgrade on the New Zealand target man.

The Magpies are currently third in the Premier League after a remarkable start to 2022/23, and the potential arrival of David should only increase their chances of nailing down a top-four spot come the end of the campaign.