Liverpool ‘backed into corner’ and set to field weakened team v Man City as injuries pile up – pundit
Paul Robinson has claimed Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has no choice but to start his youngsters against Man City.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Spurs and England number one said the current injury list at Anfield means Klopp cannot risk senior stars in the League Cup.
According to the Evening Standard, via Anfield Watch (19 December), the Reds may field a number of their younger players in the League Cup tie.
A number of Liverpool’s high-profile players have just returned from World Cup duty while there are also many injury absentees.
Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota and Arthur Melo are all still sidelined.
When asked by Football Insider for his thoughts on Liverpool’s team selection for Thursday’s game, Robinson said: “They have no option.
“They have been backed into a corner. Look at the injuries they have. Klopp will not want to risk any of his senior players getting injured ahead of Boxing Day.
“Liverpool have not got the strength in depth as Man City even when all of their players are fit. City will be able to field a starting XI that Liverpool will not be able to live with.
“There is likely to be a few names on the Liverpool teamsheet that we do not know all that well.
“The focus for Klopp will be Boxing Day and the Premier League and rightly so given their position in the league. That will be their main focus. Their start to the season has been nowhere near good enough. They will not be prioritising the League Cup.
“It would even be a tough ask with a full squad.”
In other news, a pundit has claimed Liverpool could agree ‘amazing’ Enzo Fernandez signing after source’s January update.