Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp could be forced into putting into place an experimental plan of his due to the injury to Naby Keita. Japanese winger Takumi Minamino could be set for a larger role as a result of the blow.
Liverpool’s latest injury problem leaves Klopp pondering over what to do with his midfield.
Keita was forced off against Brighton for the second week running with another fitness issue.
He came off against Manchester United last Sunday after a shocking challenge from Paul Pogba and he could be sidelined for some time yet again.
It is a real sting for both club and player, who was just starting to show signs that he could fulfil the mammoth £52m price-tag they splashed out on in 2018.
Keita’s career at Liverpool has been hampered by injury throughout his time there and he was limited to just 10 appearances in the Premier League last season.
But with the exit of Georginio Wijnaldum, there was real hope that the Guinea international could put those troubles behind him and assert himself this campaign.
However, that has failed to transpire and with further injuries to Harvey Elliott and James Milner it gives Klopp a problem.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is too hit and miss to hold down a spot in midfield while Thiago Alcantara and Fabinho have only just returned from injury.
Jordan Henderson has probably already played too many games considering his current fitness and Curtis Jones was hooked against Brighton after a poor display.
So Klopp might turn to a more experimental choice in Minamino – who is more seen as a forward player rather than a No. 8.
Right at the start of the Japan international’s career at Anfield, the Liverpool manager revealed that he could be an asset in midfield instead of his preferred position up front.
“Takumi is a player who can help us immediately. In the short term and the long term from an age perspective,” Klopp told ESPN.
“He is a very exciting player and it is really good that Liverpool played him so the supporters could see that he is a proper player.
“He is a player that we need and can play in all the offensive positions and can maybe play as an eight as well, we will have to see that.
“He is a sensationally good guy, smart. He speaks really good German so he will learn English quickly.
“I am really excited to have him and it is always good to have everyone on their toes.”
For Klopp, it gives him some sort of solution as Liverpool take on big matches with Atletico Madrid and West Ham to come next.
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