Liverpool lineup vs Sheffield United: Player returns for first start since February

The Liverpool lineup to face Sheffield United sees Jurgen Klopp hand a returning player his first start in over a month. The Reds are slowly getting back together.

Liverpool welcome Ryan Gravenberch back to the starting lineup against Sheffield United on Thursday. It's the Dutchman's first start since the Carabao Cup final in late February.

Gravenberch went off in the first half of that one, adding to Liverpool's injury crisis. In fact, his substitution felt like a crippling one for the Reds.

Liverpool bounced back from it to win the final, but Gravenberch has been waiting for a return to the starting XI ever since. He made his return at the weekend against Brighton but barely played a minute - now he's in the XI.

It hands an opportunity to Gravenberch to find fitness ahead of the 'business end' of the season. One in which the midfielder could end up playing a significant role.

He replaces Wataru Endo in the XI, and we're waiting to hear exactly whether that's an injury or not. Ibrahima Konaté is back in for Jarell Quansah, too, in the other change from Sunday.

Ryan Gravenberch returns for Liverpool

Getting Gravenberch now is a blessing, with Curtis Jones also set to return against Sheffield United. Liverpool's midfield options suddenly look quite strong again - and it's a sign that the injury crisis is gradually fading.

The Reds were missing half of their team a month ago. Now the likes of Mohamed Salah, Dominik Szoboszlai and Darwin Nunez have all returned to full fitness.

Jones, Konaté and Gravenberch are next, with Trent Alexander-Arnold, Alisson Becker and Diogo Jota not far off, either. It's vital that Jurgen Klopp gets them all back ASAP.

After all, Liverpool are competing in two competitions and every single game feels massive. The boss will want to rotate his options - but he needs a strong squad in order to do that.