Liverpool vs Arsenal was a game that showcased exactly why both sides are in the hunt for the Premier League title this season. In an enthralling clash, both teams will believe they could have come away with more.
But it wasn’t all good news for Liverpool. “It was massively overshadowed by Kostas Tsimikas’ collarbone issue,” Klopp outlined after the 1-1 draw with Arsenal. “Definitely broken, so he is out for a long time. The other issues we will have to see. It is hard for us to swallow with the Robbo [Andy Robertson] situation.”
Andy Robertson is on track to make a return to the Liverpool side in January but exactly when that will be remains to be seen. He won’t be featuring in the game with Newcastle United on the first day of 2024, for instance, as that will come too soon.
Jürgen Klopp said before the Arsenal game that while Robertson has been able to do physical work while he recovers from a shoulder injury, he is not yet back in team training. Up to now, he has not been given the green light to train with a ball.
So Tsimikas’ issue means Liverpool is now without both of its left-back options until one of them returns. Luke Chambers has played some minutes there from the start in the Europa League, but Joe Gomez is the obvious pick to play the role for the time being.
But Gomez playing more often could have a knock-on impact on the rest of the Liverpool team. Jarell Quansah will be needed at center-back more often with Joël Matip out and Ibrahima Konaté unable to play every game.
But perhaps more importantly, Gomez is the main alternative to Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back. Anyone hoping to see the Liverpool number 66 trialed in midfield — and some were calling for it against Arsenal — might have to wait.
Even with Alexis Mac Allister currently injured and Wataru Endō set to head to the Asia Games in the new year, Liverpool will not be able to move Alexander-Arnold into that number six role until Robertson returns. Conor Bradley could play there, but starting with Curtis Jones or maybe Ryan Gravenberch as the deepest-lying midfielder feels more likely.
With no senior left-back currently fit and able to play, Liverpool will need to manage its squad carefully until one of them returns. Gomez will be the man to play the role and in the meantime, that almost certainly means Alexander-Arnold staying where he is.
