Liverpool vs Burnley: Jurgen Klopp must leave out Sadio Mane and Andy Robertson

Jurgen Klopp must leave out Sadio Mane and Andy Robertson as Liverpool take on Burnley on Wedneday night in the Premier League.

The Christmas period always takes a toll on clubs, and this year will be no different. Fixtures come flying at squads quicker than Robertson gets up and down the left flank, and that comes with its wear and tare.

Mane picked up a bad cut on his foot while Robbo has a dead leg, said the Evening Standard. According to the newspaper, Reds manager Jurgen Klopp is going to give both the chance to prove their fitness, but he shouldn’t bother.

Liverpool have got the pair’s position covered by their strength in depth. It would be better if Klopp allowed them so time off to heal properly before going again on Sunday.

Bournemouth are the more dangerous side out of the two and it would be better for the side if the left flank was back to full strength for the weekend.

Leaving Mane out would allow Klopp to drop back to his 4-3-3 formation, which seems to get the better out of Roberto Firmino. In this shape, Xherdan Shaqiri could start on the left, Firmino through the middle and Mohamed Salah on the right.

Alberto Moreno would naturally come in for Robertson, and although he is prone to the odd gaff the Spaniard is still a good defender and his inclusion won’t weaken the team too much.

While Burnley are decent down the flanks, they haven’t got anyone especially skilful or full of flair and it’s unlikely that their wingers could provoke a howler from Moreno.

Sometimes you’ve got to recognize a useful moment to give some overworked players a rest. The Premier League takes no prisoners, and a tactical withdrawal would be a sound decision in this case.