Jurgen Klopp admits Joel Matip had not trained enough to warrant a starting place against Manchester United.
Matip hobbled off against West Brom and has not been seen since which further adds to Klopp's injury problems with Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez both absent.
It means skipper Jordan Henderson will again play alongside Fabinho in an unconventional back four.
The pair started alongside each other last time out in the defeat against Southampton.
And again will team up as they aim to stop United's attack with Matip not quite beating the clock in an effort to be ready for today's clash.
Klopp said: "Joel could take part in some parts of the sessions on Friday but now it is Sunday so that is obviously not enough. From tomorrow he will train normally."
Liverpool host United needing a win to draw level with their rivals at the top of the Premier League.
The Reds have not won in their last three games and lost their most recent outing at the Saints.
Goals have also been a problem for the champions which may explain why Xherdan Shaqiri being handed a first league start of the season and his first for 13 months.
Klopp added on his decision to select the Swiss star: "Very good shape on the pitch, showed a good performance last game, good in training and is getting his rhythm step by step.
"He was out for a long time with little things, but now he's training and showing he's ready to go."
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer on the other hand has fully fit squad to pick from after Anthony Martial emerged from a square in midweek.
The forward was touch and go for the short trip to Merseyside, but will start in attack.
Victor Lindelof has also returned and will come in for Eric Bailly at the heart of defence.
United have not lost a league game since November 1 and remain unbeaten on the road this season.
Liverpool though have a formidable home record in the league having gone unbeaten since 2017.
