Klopp backed to unleash Liverpool superstar in fascinating new role after Jota injury sparks big decision

The calf injury suffered by Diogo Jota will spark a huge Jurgen Klopp decision, and one observer has backed the Liverpool boss to take the shackles off an under-fire star.

Liverpool were rocked by another injury in the latter stages of their 1-0 victory over Man City. Diogo Jota had to be stretchered off after suffering a calf injury. During a press conference on Tuesday, Klopp confirmed his Portuguese forward is out until after the World Cup.

Jota put in a tireless display on the left of a midfield four against City. That opportunity arose following another injury to Luis Diaz, who is also sidelined until Boxing Day at the earliest.

Liverpool’s switch to a more conventional 4-4-2 worked wonders on Sunday.

James Milner and Joe Gomez were flawless at right-back and centre-half respectively. Jota and Harvey Elliott covered every blade of grass down their respective wings, while pushing Mohamed Salah central to play alongside Roberto Firmino in a two worked a treat.

The elephant in the room, however, is Trent Alexander-Arnold. The right-back has come in for stinging criticism this season for his ability – or lack thereof – to defend.

Alexander-Arnold did make a brief cameo appearance off the bench against City, though was positioned on the right of the midfield four in front of Milner who remained at right-back.

Now, pundit Gabriel Agbonlahor suggested trialling Alexander-Arnold further forward on the right of midfield is something Klopp should consider.

Could Klopp really move Alexander-Arnold?

“I don’t mind it,” Agbonlahor told Football Insider.

“I feel I would play that, Trent could play on the right wing and Salah could play up front and just time his runs onto the right.”

The idea of playing Alexander-Arnold closer to the opposition goal is a tantalising one and he did rise through Liverpool’s academy initially as a midfielder.

What’s more, his recent interview with GQ magazine seemed to suggest he might actually prefer to play in midfield rather than defence.

Factoring into Klopp’s decision will no doubt be Jota’s injury.

If Klopp did revert to a 4-3-3, he could play Firmino up front flanked by Nunez on the left and Salah on the right.

Alternatively, if sticking with 4-4-2, Nunez or Firmino would partner Salah up top, with Alexander-Arnold on the right of a midfield four and either Harvey Elliott or Fabio Carvalho in the corresponding position on the left.

“Liverpool have got options but the fact that Jota has got injured means he might change that formation,” added Agbonlahor.

“He might go to Salah, Firmino and Nunez with Nunez off the left, Salah off the right and Firmino down the middle.”

Whatever Klopp does choose, we won’t have to wait long to find out his decision. The Reds host West Ham on Wednesday evening in a 7:30pm kick off.

Liverpool still have point to prove

With the fixtures coming thick and fast before the World Cup takes centre stage, Liverpool have a chance to revive their title hopes if they can hit top form over the next five weeks.

However, Agbonlahor suggested Liverpool’s victory over City may have been a false dawn. In his mind, their early season struggles cannot be overlooked entirely after just one good display.

“Yes, Liverpool have not been in great form this season and, for me, it looked like the start of the decline,” he continued.

“I’m not going to judge them off this game, to be honest because you do up your game against your fiercest rivals.

“I want to see it in the next game, can they up their game when they’re playing West Ham.

“They look back to their best but they have got to put a run of fixtures together where they get maximum points.

“Can you go and do it again when you’ve got West Ham at home?”

PREDICTIONS: Old Trafford thriller as Man Utd host Tottenham, Liverpool build on huge win; Forest get that sinking feeling on south coast