Thiago on Liverpool bench as Kovacic returns for Chelsea

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp included Thiago Alcantara on the bench for the Premier League clash with Chelsea, while Fabinho was named in defence due to injuries. 

Midfielder Thiago only completed his move to the reigning champions from Bayern Munich on Friday, signing a four-year contract. 

Despite a lack of preparation time with his new team-mates, the Spain international could make his debut on Sunday after being named among the substitutes for the game at Stamford Bridge. 

However, Klopp is without centre-backs Joe Gomez and Joel Matip due to injuries. 

With Dejan Lovren having departed in the transfer window, Fabinho partners Virgil van Dijk at the heart of the defence, the Brazilian’s inclusion the only change from the XI that started the 4-3 victory over Leeds United last time out. 

As for hosts Chelsea, Frank Lampard also made only one alteration to the side that began the 3-1 triumph away at Brighton and Hove Albion. 

Mateo Kovacic missed the league opener through suspension but comes back into midfield, taking the place of Ruben Loftus-Cheek. 

Kai Havertz and Timo Werner – who was linked with Liverpool before signing for Chelsea – both make their home debuts for the Blues. Fellow new recruits Hakim Ziyech and Ben Chilwell remain sidelined, though, along with Christian Pulisic.