Jurgen Klopp was made worse by the events at the weekend. Liverpool now faces an injury crisis as fixtures pile up over the coming weeks.
Klopp has an exhausted squad from which to choose before the start of a Rangers and Champions League match-upIt will take place in an Ibrox atmosphere.
The LiverpoolBefore Sunday’s crucial Premier League match against Man City at Anfield, the boss will be praying for no further injuries.
The Reds have had a disappointing start to the season, with only ten points from eight league matches. This leaves them in 10th position in the Premier League. It was not the start they envisioned, having won it in 2020 and just minutes away from winning again last season.
Klopp thinks it is already over.
Liverpool has won two of their first three Champions League matches, but it was not as good as expected. 4-1 humble to NapoliIt was worrying.
They will now travel to Rangers with Luis Diaz unable to play until after the World Cup. Trent Alexander Arnold and Joel Malitip will be there. For approximately two weeks.
Alexander-Arnold sustained an ankle knock after Gabriel Martinelli’s challenge. He was removed at half-time.
Klopp was downbeat about what the future holds for the right-back but he will return sooner than expected.
Matip was suffering from a calf problem during the second half of the match against the Gunners.
The good news is that Andy Robertson has returned to training following a month’s absence and could make a comeback against Rangers.
Ibrahima Konate, who is yet to start a game this season will likely be partnered by Virgil van Dijk. Joe Gomez will fill in for right-back.
Klopp could continue his formation change from the reliable 4-3-3 to a 4-2-2-3-1 further up the pitch.
It was first used by him in the Champions League win against Rangers at Anfield, and he again tried it against Arsenal.
When asked about the change, Klopp said: “We have had to change things a little bit and this is what we have done. We need to see how it works out formation-wise.”
This system uses two deeper-lying midfielders and allows the Reds boss manage their depleted team at this position.
Klopp has few options other than Jordan Henderson and Thiago for long-term injuries, so Arthur Melo, Naby Keita, and Arthur Melo are out of action.
Henderson is not in his best form so it’s likely that the Spaniard or Brazilian will get their chance.
Diaz’s injury means Darwin Nunez could take up the position on the left. He was a center-forward but played on the left for Benfica at times.
Diogo Jota will then come in and play a central role behind Roberto Firmino, who is Liverpool’s top scorer this season, and Mohamed Salah will then complete the XI.
