Liverpool set to be without 2 of their stars ahead of tie against ManU

- Joel Matip and Naby Keita both missed Liverpool's latest team training session

- The duo is now facing a race against time for early fitness ahead of their meeting with Man United

- Liverpool will be keen to use the tie to return to winning ways after their 1-0 defeat to Southampton in their last outing

Jurgen Klopp could miss the services of Joel Matip and Naby Keita when Liverpool take on Man United on Sunday, January 17, in a Premier League cracker to be played at Anfield.

Liverpool will be desperate to not only use the tie to return to winning ways, but to also to reclaim the top place on the league standings.

The Reds' 1-0 defeat to Southampton in their last Premier League match gave rivals United an edge as the EPL campaign heats up.

At the time, the Anfield outfit was top thanks to their superior goal difference, only to drop to second after the Red Devils won their game in hand against Burnley.

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And now with just two days to their decisive encounter, it has emerged Klopp could miss the services of key players.

Defence and midfield are the two departments hugely affected, with both Matip and Keita doubts for the home clash.

Mirror UK reports the pair was not in sight as Klopp too his wards through their latest team training session on Wednesday, January 13, sparking fears they are battling fitness issues.

It is understood the German tactician has a policy his players must take part in at least two training sessions before they can be considered for selection.

As such, Matip could fail to be in contention for a starting place, with Keita believed not to be quite ready to join the rest of the squad for training.

The former RB Leipzig midfielder has not played for the Reds since featuring for full 90 minutes in his side's 7-0 win over Crystal Palace before Christmas.

A win over United will undoubtedly give them an edge in their campaign to retain the domestic crown at the end of the season.

However, they will have to be wary of a United side who are yet to lose on the road in the league since the start of the new season.

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Man United hero Andy Cole has written off his former side from the title race this season despite sitting top of the standings.

Man United leapfrogged Liverpool to move to the summit of the league charts following their 1-0 hard-fought win at Burnley on Tuesday night, January 12. Paul Pogba's sublime finish in the second half of the tie proved to be decisive as the Red Devils went top with 36 points.

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However, despite the Old Trafford dwellers' arguably promising campaign, Cole believes Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's men will find it difficult to challenge Liverpool and rivals Man City for the title.

Whereas the Englishman admitted it was a fantastic achievement for his former side to move ahead of Liverpool, he insisted he cannot see them carting home the prestigious title at the end of the campaign.

He noted that would be a long stretch for United right now, arguing they cannot match the quality of Jürgen Klopp's side and City.