It was Pep Lijnders who was summoned to face the media on Wednesday afternoon, ahead of Arsenal's second trip to Anfield this week. 

Liverpool came from behind to beat Mikel Arteta's side earlier this week, with the Reds putting on one of their finest displays in recent times.

It is expected there will be wholesale changes to both sides that lined up at on Monday night. For Liverpool, it is expected to be a similar XI to last week's third-round tie at Lincoln City. 

''Jordan, we will re-evaluate on Friday to see if he is ready for Villa game. "Kostas felt his thigh in the Lincoln game. We thought it would settle but it didn't so he will be out of the next two games."

Lijnders confirmed that Kostas Tsimikas picked up a thigh injury following his debut last Thursday and will be unavailable for selection alongside Joel Matip and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who are both still sidelined with earlier injuries. 

Jordan Henderson is also ruled out of Thursday's fixture following the muscle injury he picked at Stamford Bridge two weeks ago.

He also confirmed that Thiago will continue to self-isolating following his positive test for Covid-19 last weekend. 

"Neco is a doer and a doer makes mistakes. We don't want safe play, we want players to take risks. I think he dealt with it really well''

Neco Williams has come under fire from those on social media following Liverpool's 7-2 victory over Lincoln. The 19-year-old later blacked out his Twitter account due to the raw and unjust criticism.

Lijnders was quick to defend Williams and praised how the youngster has dealt with the backlash over the past week. He also went onto explain how other players in the dressing room have had chats with him too. 

Williams is expected to feature in tomorrow's clash at Anfield. It was against the same opposition, in the same competition that he made his debut last season, providing the assist for Divock Origi's late equaliser. 

"He had a superb game v Lincoln, in a different position. That makes it even better. If we expect one thing from Shaq, it is that he searches for attacking solutions. He showed his desire on the ball, his drive."

Xherdan Shaqiri announced his return to the starting eleven last week with a fantastic all-round performance, which he marked with a perfectly executed free-kick. It was a change of roles for the Swiss international and he excelled in it, impressing many Liverpool fans and reminding them how much of an asset he could be for Klopp and co this season. 

With a similar lineup expected against Arsenal, Shaqiri will have the chance to catch the eye yet again against much tougher opposition. 

it remains to be seen whether he will still be a Liverpool player beyond next week's deadline. A good performance here could give Jurgen Klopp a selection headache, or drive the interest of any potential suitors. 

"Arsenal was one of my favourite games, since I am here. No ego, constant team play, dominant in each moment over 95 minutes. I was really happy."

Albeit against the same opposition as Monday night, it is expected that both sides will field 'weakened' sides. However, neither the approach nor the identity of either side will be altered.

Lijnders was full of praise for Monday's outing and the way Liverpool suffocated Arsenal, not allowing them anytime or thought on the ball, combined with the calculated nous that this side have picked up over the past five years. Mixed together into one, it became one of the most professional performances of the Klopp era.

"He's the type we really like. So much bravery, courage, self-confidence, but with a constant focus to learn. He's probably one the most offensive midfielder we have''

Liverpool's star-boy Curtis Jones will be expected to take centre stage at Anfield as he continues to impress.  Jones' trajectory since he scored the winning penalty in this fixture last season has been exponential. 

He is faced with dislodging one of the most consistent and demanding midfield trios in the League, and that is without even adding Champions League winner Thiago.

Jones' task was never going to be accomplished overnight. 

But with the belief and determination that the young Scouser possesses, combined with his current rate of performances, it won't be long before he's lining up for Liverpool in Premier League every week.