Chelsea vs Liverpool: Romelu Lukaku dropped & Alisson absent ahead of Premier League clash

The two sides will face off in today’s eagerley anticipated Premier League clash with both teams keen to get 2022 off to a good start.

Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku has been in the news recently after a controversial interview regarding his time at Stamford Bridge and the team news has now confirmed that Thomas Tuchel has dropped him from the matchday squad.

The Belgian has scored three goals in his last four appearances for the Blues but his absence will now see them relying on Christian Pulisic up top - with the American 23-year-old failing to score since Chelsea’s win over Leicester City in November.

The London club are without Reece James after the defender suffered a hamstring injury on Wednesday, while Thiago Silva returns to the side.

Liverpool are feeling the effects of Covid-19 recently, with Caoimhin Kelleher taking Alisson’s place in between the sticks, while Joel Matip and Roberto Firmino are also absent after testing positive.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain also starts from the bench, making way for James Milner in midfield.

Today’s match will be Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane’s final appearance before they jet off to the Africa Cup of Nations and Jurgen Klopp will be without the duo until February.

A win for Chelsea could reduce the gap between themselves and Manchester City to eight points, while Liverpool will be hoping to leapfrog the Blues into second place.