Liverpool vs PSG: Three options that’ll win Klopp the game if Firmino is ruled out

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - AUGUST 25: Daniel Sturridge of Liverpool controls the ball as Dale Stephens of Brighton and Hove Albion looks on during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Brighton & Hove Albion at Anfield on August 25, 2018 in Liverpool, United Kingdom. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - AUGUST 25: Daniel Sturridge of Liverpool controls the ball as Dale Stephens of Brighton and Hove Albion looks on during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Brighton & Hove Albion at Anfield on August 25, 2018 in Liverpool, United Kingdom. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
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Sturridge
Sturridge

Daniel Sturridge

The most obvious move would be to play Daniel Sturridge. He’s been on the bench for every Premier League game this season but only has 21 minutes of action under his belt, including one goal.

After an excellent preseason, it appeared as if Klopp had thrown Sturridge an Anfield lifeline. The England international looked to have grabbed it with both hands by netting against West Ham on the opening weekend of the campaign, but has had to settle for tiny cameo appearances ever since.

By selecting the 29-year-old it would send out a message to the rest of the world that Klopp trusts Sturridge, that Sturridge is his second choice player, but also that the German believes the striker is good enough to take over from Firmino when required.

Going for one of the two options presented above would send the opposite signals. It would indicate that Klopp doesn’t know who the best number two for Firmino is – or that he doesn’t trust Sturridge to start and play a full game.