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Jurgen Klopp now faces big Liverpool challenges

By Ethan Lowe

BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - APRIL 17: Jurgen Klopp, manager of Liverpool applauds the travelling fans following the Barclays Premier League match between A.F.C. Bournemouth and Liverpool at the Vitality Stadium on April 17, 2016 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images)
BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - APRIL 17: Jurgen Klopp, manager of Liverpool applauds the travelling fans following the Barclays Premier League match between A.F.C. Bournemouth and Liverpool at the Vitality Stadium on April 17, 2016 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images) /
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Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp looks set to face several challenges as key players pick up injuries ahead of a tough Europa League semi-final

When Liverpool beat Borussia Dortmund in order to progress to the Europa League semi-finals, it marked one of the most memorable comebacks the club has ever seen. Now, Liverpool need to beat tough opponents Villarreal CF in order to progress to a Europa League final, but things just got a whole lot harder for Jurgen Klopp and the reds.

Firstly, the Liverpool skipper Jordan Henderson looks to remain side-lined until the end of this season. Without Henderson Liverpool lack arguably their most passionate leader, with James Milner being a rather boring vice-captain. Henderson looked to be picking up form once again before his unfortunate set-back, and his passing ability and defensive cover would be needed as Liverpool face challenges in both the Europa League and the Premier League.

Liverpool’s other first-choice holding midfielder, Emre Can, also suffered an injury recently. He’s also been ruled out until the end of the season, but the brave German insists he’s targeting a quicker recovery. Being one of the reds best performers, Emre Can’s aggression and strength made him a threat as well as a defensive asset. He adds cover to the back-four with his brave tackles, and drives play forward whenever the opportunity arises, so without him the Liverpool midfield looks far less formidable.

So with both first-choice holing midfielders out, Jurgen Klopp has the challenge of selecting players and balancing game time well enough to do well both in Europe and the Premier League. It seems that James Milner could be dropped back into the deeper midfield, alongside Lucas, Joe Allen or even Kevin Stewart. The pairing of Joe Allen and Kevin Stewart was chosen against Bournemouth in the League, while Klopp opted for a partnership between James Milner and Lucas against a stronger Everton side.

Jurgen Klopp needs to rotate and keep players fit enough to tackle both competitions, and Divock Origi’s unfortunate injury will only fuel the possibility for problems. Now, Daniel Sturridge remains the only fully fit and reliable striker. With his injury prone reputation, it could be risky to play him in all competitions, yet is Christian Benteke an option Klopp would consider?

Currently the Belgian forward is still recovering from an injury, however its rumoured he is very close to making a return to fitness. If Benteke could take some league minutes, then Sturridge could be kept fresh for the bigger Europa league matches. Otherwise, Roberto Firmino could be deployed as a centre-forward once again after proving he can play that role earlier in the season.

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Jurgen Klopp faces some of his biggest squad selection challenges as a Liverpool manager, and challenges from tough teams that stand between Liverpool and European glory. Can Jurgen Klopp drive Liverpool to success? Will Christian Benteke play a part in the side once again? Only time will tell. Hopefully, for all English clubs, Liverpool can show that the Premier League has a place in European competition.

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