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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Connor Dunn

Liverpool's Xherdan Shaqiri conundrum and Jurgen Klopp's headache over Mohamed Salah

Liverpool continued their sensational Premier League form by beating Newcastle in a dramatic game at St James' Park on Saturday to return to the top of the table.

The Reds now have one game left and, as has been the story of the title run-in so far, are two points clear of Manchester City, who play their game in hand against Leicester on Monday night.

Jurgen Klopp's side now park their domestic ambitions as they prepare for a huge game on Tuesday night with the second leg of the Champions League semi-final at home to Barcelona where they need to overturn a 3-0 deficit.

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The Reds boss rang the changes for the  trip to the North East, with Daniel Sturridge replacing the injured Roberto Firmino, captain Jordan Henderson returning in midfield, while Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dejan Lovren were brought into the backline.

But what does Klopp have up his sleeve for the visit of the Catalan giants?

The Mohamed Salah headache

Mohamed Salah was stretchered off during Liverpool's clash with Newcastle after a heavy collision with opposition goalkeeper Martin Dubravka.

The Egyptian went down after colliding with the Newcastle number one and received lengthy treatment on the pitch before eventually leaving the field on a stretcher.

Mohamed Salah goes down injured during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Liverpool FC at St. James Park on May 04, 2019 (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

Jurgen Klopp is sweating over the attacker's availability, Dejan Lovren has given an update on his fitness and there is a question over whether he is going to be able to play against Barcelona.

However, aside from the obvious fact he will not be in the starting XI if the medical staff rule him unfit to play, there is something else to consider.

Dejan Lovren provides injury update on Liverpool's Mohamed Salah

Does Klopp put Salah on the bench for Barcelona and give him a chance to get as much rest as possible ahead of the Reds final Premier League showdown with Wolves?

A lot rests on Salah's fitness of course but the question above is only one the Reds boss will be able to provide the answer to and it's sure to pose the manager a bit of a headache.

The Xherdan Shaqiri question

Roberto Firmino celebrates scoring the fifth goal from the penalty spot with Mohamed Salah and Xherdan Shaqiri during thematch between Liverpool and Arsenal at Anfield (John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Xherdan Shaqiri made a stunning impact at Liverpool in the early stages of this Premier League season.

His performances coming off the bench - which included scoring two goals against Manchester United in just seven minutes back in December - made a real difference and it appeared as if Klopp had secured one of the signings of the summer by spending £13m on the Swiss playmaker.

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The midfielder then played in all of the Reds' Premier League games from Boxing Day to February 4 before not being included in the squad against Bournemouth on February 9.

Until the Newcastle match he had only featured twice and played just 19 minutes of domestic football but he waited patiently on the bench for his chance to shine again and came on to provide the assist for Divock Origi's late winner against the Magpies.

It was huge testament to his character and clear proof he has been working behind the scenes to keep himself fit and ready for his chance.

Now, with Naby Keita out injured, Klopp could look to Shaqiri to provide the creative spark.

Of course there is also Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain but whatever happens the German boos has a decision to make.

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