Liverpool has accidentally received boost before Chelsea even as Jürgen Klopp injury list grows

Liverpool has accidentally received boost before Chelsea even as Jürgen Klopp injury list grows

Liverpool, while it won against Brentford, is in a worrying position at the moment in terms of injuries. There is a decent chance that Darwin Núñez will be fine after he was taken off at half-time as a precaution, but Diogo Jota and Curtis Jones have joined a growing list of absentees.

Thiago Alcântara, Stefan Bajčetić, Joël Matip, Alisson Becker, Ben Doak, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dominik Szoboszlai are all already sidelined for varying lengths of time — and that looks like quite the list when you write it down. Mohamed Salah has only just made his return from a hamstring injury, while Kostas Tsimikas is yet to appear after recovering from a shoulder issue.

For several individuals on the roster, the full extent of their issues remains shrouded in uncertainty. In the immediate aftermath of the match, it was too early to gauge the severity of the newly sustained injuries. However, there is anticipation surrounding Alisson’s medical test results, scheduled to return in time for Klopp’s press conference on Tuesday, just prior to the Luton fixture. Additionally, updates regarding the conditions of Jota, Jones, and Szoboszlai are anticipated at that time as well.

In the context of Alisson’s situation, his absence may paradoxically yield benefits, affording his deputy, Caoimhín Kelleher, an opportunity to establish a rhythm—a concept highly emphasized by Jürgen Klopp. With the impending Carabao Cup final on the horizon next weekend, this circumstance could carry significant implications for the team.

Alisson’s participation in the midweek clash against Luton is in doubt due to a muscle injury, and even if he manages to recover, he is unlikely to feature in the starting lineup at Wembley. Given the historical performance context, the Carabao Cup is often associated with Kelleher’s domain, thus positioning him as the probable starter for the final, provided he remains unaffected by any potential injuries in the interim.

While the notion of thrusting Kelleher into action without adequate preparation might entail some degree of risk, the absence of Liverpool’s primary goalkeeper has somewhat mitigated that risk. Moreover, even in the unlikely event of Alisson’s return on Wednesday, Kelleher has now accrued consecutive Premier League appearances, a feat that is notably rare for him.

The circumstances surrounding Alisson’s unavailability, due to illness against Burnley and subsequent injury in the victory against Brentford, have provided Kelleher with valuable competitive minutes to sharpen his match readiness for the upcoming clash against Chelsea—and he has acquitted himself admirably in those matches.

In the encounter against Burnley, Kelleher exhibited commendable form, making a pivotal one-on-one save against David Datro Fofana, with Wilson Odobert failing to capitalize on the rebound. Similarly, in the match against Brentford, he showcased his adeptness at shot-stopping, making a crucial save just before Ivan Toney netted a consolation goal.

While Kelleher emerged as the hero in the previous Carabao Cup final, Liverpool aspires to secure victory without the need for extra time or penalties in the upcoming match. In terms of preparation for the marquee event, Alisson’s illness and injury may, in one respect, have proven advantageous. However, it’s essential to navigate the situation carefully to maximize the team’s chances of success. The strategic management of player injuries and squad rotation becomes pivotal in ensuring the team’s readiness and resilience in the face of challenges. As the season progresses and the stakes continue to rise, meticulous planning and adaptability will be essential in navigating the complexities of competitive football at the highest level.