Danny Ings’ injury setback could end his chance to earn a spot at Liverpool
Danny Ings’ latest injury setback means he will miss this entire season
Danny Ings is the type of player who could really flourish at Liverpool under Jurgen Klopp. He’s pacy, has a high motor and is still young enough to buy-in to Klopp’s pressing system. Unfortunately, his latest injury setback might cost him his chance to cement a place in Klopp’s Liverpool future.
When Ings was first injured, he was optimistic that he could rehabilitate his knee in time to return this season. Today, he revealed that his physios have advised him that returning before the end of the year isn’t in his best interest. It’s a brutal blow for the English striker who was hoping to make a big impression on his new manager.
The striker situation at Liverpool is already quite crowded. Klopp is currently tormented by choosing between Christian Benteke, Daniel Sturridge and even Roberto Firmino to lead his line every week. A fit Danny Ings is good enough to factor into that equation, but certainly wouldn’t be a lock to see regular playing time. His current injury will rob him of his ability to compete in that striker battle this year.
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This means that Klopp will likely spend the rest of the season closely evaluating his options up to without Ings. The injured striker will be out of sight and out of mind for his German manager. This absence might mean that Ings never has the opportunity to claim a regular place in Liverpool’s lineup.
In all honesty, Ings was always going to struggle to secure regular playing time at striker while competing with the likes of Benteke and Sturridge. Those two seem destined to duel for Klopp’s trust all year-long. Instead, his best chance to crack the starting 11 or even secure regular playing time, is as an attacking midfielder.
The three spots behind the striker are filling up fast for Klopp as well. Philippe Coutinho has been a star under his new manager, so his place in the rotation seems assured. James Milner has also performed at a high level under the new manager so you can pencil him in the lineup most weeks as well. That only leaves one open spot for Ings to compete for once he’s fit.
The trouble is, there are a lot of really talented players who will be involved in that competition. The aforementioned Roberto Firmino will definitely be a factor, as will English international Adam Lallana. Those two might be enough to keep a healthy Ings out of the lineup by themselves. Of course, it’s almost a certainty that Liverpool and Klopp will be purchasing a cadre of new attacking recruits over the next several transfer windows.
The majority of Klopp’s rumored purchases happen to also be attacking players. While I suspect that many of these are just that, rumors, at the current time, I do think that ultimately they’ll look to bring in additional attacking options that fit Klopp’s system. Such additions will be direct obstacles to Ings finding regular involvement. Liverpool won’t be looking to be purchase attacking players who aren’t intended to compete for significant playing time immediately.
Given the players already at Anfield and the likely new Klopp sponsored recruits on the way, Danny Ings doesn’t seem to have a rosy future at the club. It’s a shame too, because his style of play certainly fits Klopp quite well. Unfortunately, his knee injury may cost him any time to earn Klopp’s trust and become a real factor for Liverpool.