After their defeat to Manchester City, the Reds are prepared to take on the Blues. In preparation for tonight’s match against Chelsea, Jurgen Klopp may decide to bench Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk, and Mohamed Salah from Liverpool’s lineup.
The Times reports that Klopp, whose team are in dire need of a victory after their most recent Premier League defeat, is prepared to make a radical move on Tuesday and bench three of his important players for the Reds’ journey to the capital to face Chelsea.
Klopp to drop three big players before the Chelsea clash
The Merseyside club are now poised to make the unbelievable choice and omit three crucial players in Alexander-Arnold, Van Dijk, and Salah. The Reds have already been stung by the news that Luis Diaz and Thiago Alcantara would miss Liverpool’s trip to Chelsea due to injuries earlier this week.
Although Alexander-Arnold has struggled with consistency this year, many Liverpool supporters would concur that the English international poses a real danger to Chelsea, who may be the only club in the league with less confidence right now than the Reds.
As Matip appears to be a shell of the guy who nearly guided Liverpool to a quadruple last season with his outstanding defensive performances and muscular presence, Van Dijk’s likely absence also poses a significant challenge for Klopp.
Despite the fact that Salah, the £34 million winger, has scored more goals for Liverpool this season than any other player, Klopp could manage without the attacker thanks to the great depth of offensive options Nunez and Roberto Firmino currently provide.
A much-needed change of tactics?
After a terrible run of form in 2023, Liverpool are in need of a change in the starting lineup. While omitting Alexander-Arnold, Van Dijk, and Salah might be a hazardous decision, it also shows that Klopp is prepared to go above and beyond to help his club turn things around.
The depth that Liverpool now have in some places allows the Reds manager to take chances with his lineup. And with Chelsea in a similar situation as the Merseyside giants, Klopp may be wise to make changes at Stamford Bridge in advance of the season’s final Premier League games.
