Liverpool will have two players walking a disciplinary tightrope when they take on Burnley on Boxing Day.
Wataru Endo picked up a fourth Premier League booking of the campaign in the 1-1 home draw against Arsenal on Saturday to move within one more yellow card of a suspension.
Darwin Nunezput himself in a similar situation when he reached the same number of cautions during the dismal goalless draw with Manchester United at Anfield the previous weekend.
However, the trip to Turf Moor represents the final game before the disciplinary amnesty in the Premier League, which is introduced after a team’s 19th match – the halfway point of the season. After that, a player has to accrue 10 yellow cards to earn a one-match suspension.
It means that if Endo and Nunez successfully avoid a yellow or red card at Burnley, they will be available for the visit of Newcastle United on New Year’s Day.
Under Premier League rules, being awarded 10 yellow cards by the 32nd game week results in a two-game suspension, while players are handed a three-match ban if given 15 bookings before the end of the season.
Regardless of any suspensions, Endo will be absent for up to five weeks after the clash with Newcastle as he departs to represent Japan in the Asia Cup. Liverpool could also be missing Mohamed Salah for the same length of time, with the winger leaving for Africa Cup of Nations duty for Egypt.
