We are in the business end of the season and every result matters. Even in a season where Liverpool have played their way out of nearly every competition, there’s still things to play for. Which means that the general health of the squad – it’s depth in quality – is of extreme importance.
This year has been, to put it mildly, quite shit when it comes to Liverpool being able to maintain its depth. While it didn’t quite get to some of the worst moments in recent memory (remember when we had to have
Jordan Henderson at center back?), it’s not too far off given there was a period where three of Liverpool’s right-backs were injured. And that’s all before you consider the long-term injuries to new signings Giovanni Leoni and Alexander Isak. Heck, even Jeremie Frimpong spent two stints on the trainers table.
Given the stakes in Tuesday’s Championship League match, where the Reds will host PSG at Anfield in a bid to overturn a two-goal deficit and extend their run in the competition, we’re at the point where every minute that any of the core players that Arne Slot trusts is available becomes of paramount importance. Put differently: every injury feels more costly in this moment as Liverpool hold on to the one tournament where they have a chance to bring home some trophy.
Which is why when midfielder Curtis Jones had to be substituted at halftime for an injury he picked up just before the break, I think all Liverpool fans collective sighed – and maybe swore. Liverpool could do with a bit of luck and, at the moment, it looks like this fallow period will go on forever.
For his part, Slot addressed the condition of both Jones and Alisson Becker – the legendary net-minder was again absent due to an injury that’s kept him out of the last few fixtures – during his post-match presser at Fulham, given that PSG awaits the Reds on Tuesday. Slot indicated that he did not feel it would be likely for either player to be available for the Champions League tilt. With Ali, it’s that he hasn’t even begun training with the team. For Curtis, it’s that Slot seemed to think that the nature of having to come off would be enough for him to wager that the midfielder wouldn’t be ready on Tuesday.
Not great news at all for Liverpool. All the points count, of course, but they seem to count a little bit extra during this time. And the Reds will need everyone to try and salvage something out of this difficult campaign. Here’s hoping both Ali and Curtis might make it back to training sooner rather than later.
