Jurgen Klopp has an impossible task to solve vs Atalanta
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has an impossible task.
As the Reds prepare to take on Atalanta in the Champions League, the manager has a few big decisions to make.
He’ll have to decide whether Mohamed Salah is fit enough to take part in the game after missing the Leicester City clash after testing positive for COVID-19, but is fit and well now.
Klopp said Salah is now available for the clash, but hasn’t figured out what to do with the King – reported the official club website.
"“He is available. Now we have to see what we do with that because he was quarantined until three days ago.”"
Up front isn’t really the problem, especially not with Diogo Jota in the squad as well as talent like Takumi Minamino and Xherdan Shaqiri. Rather, midfield and defence are the issues.
Klopp kept his cards close to his chest when asked about the availability of Shaqiri, as well as the injured Jordan Henderson and Thiago. Again, the quotes are via the club website.
"“All the rest, no news…” said Klopp. “I don’t want to speak too much about it because I have no idea who Atalanta can bring into this game, so why should we give any kind of information to them?”"
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With only two fit senior options at centre-back, Klopp will need to make a huge call. If Liverpool win on Wednesday, they will secure their passage to the next round of the Champions League – which would be a huge advantage.
It would mean Klopp could rest key players in the final two fixtures against Ajax and FC Midtjylland, but in order to feel more confident about a victory on Wednesday night, the manager will need to start Joel Matip and Fabinho.
The pair are the only senior centre-backs available for selection, but both have fitness issues and picking the duo just three days after 90 minutes against Leicester is a massive risk.
Fabinho’s just recovered from a hamstring strain, while Matip has really struggled to string together a run of games over the last 24 months.
Playing Matip against Atalanta would be a risk, but the reward is potentially higher. Dropping Matip in favour of Rhys Williams could offer Atalanta a route to victory, and it would help protect Matip for the next run of games.
Can the Serie A side take advantage of Liverpool’s potential weakness at the back to wrestle three points from Klopp’s monsters?
Next. Back to 4-3-3 with Tsimikas and Williams - Liverpool lineup vs Atalanta. dark
The gaffer is in an impossible situation right now, and will doubtless be thinking incredibly hard about the next steps.