Injuries
As a whole, Liverpool has been pretty healthy on the year, but they have some players who have a tendency to find a way to the physio room more often than most.
Two players have already been bitten hard enough by the injury bug to be lost for the season. Striker Danny Ings and defender Joseph Gomez both sustained ACL injuries that will see them sidelined until next year. Ings, in particular would have been a very good fit in Klopp’s high pressing system while Gomez would have provided quality depth.
The more concerning injury issues for Liverpool come in the form of their players who find a way to get nicked up quite often. Daniel Sturridge, who’s just returned from a long injury absence, doesn’t exactly have a reputation for playing through pain. His manager even came out and said as much publicly last week. Given the fitness that Klopp’s system requires it’s pretty easy to see Sturridge missing a few more matches before the season’s end.
Even Phillippe Coutinho, who has really broken out as a star in Klopp’s brief tenure may find it difficult to stay healthy. His slight frame will make him more prone to injury than most. He’s a terrific finesse player, but is he tough enough to put his body on the line in an effort to win the ball back? I’m not so sure.
Klopp’s system will be a drain on all the Liverpool players as the season progresses. It’s a terror on the opposing team to be pressed all over the pitch, but it takes a toll on the pressers as well. Running all those miles can cause a body to break down over the course of the season. Liverpool players have been asked to adjust to the system midstream without an off-season to prepare. This could lead to a variety of bumps, bruises and strain tormenting Liverpool players down the stretch.
Next: The Klopp effect will wear off