Liverpool vs Leicester City Preview: Are Reds the most damaged side due to grueling schedules and pandemic?
It has been a rough ride for defending champions, Liverpool, so far in the Premier League. In a matter or two months, there were injury breakdowns, players testing positive for the coronavirus, and while they still occupy the third place on the points table, it is safe to say, they're running on vapors already. There's no doubt that Liverpool is in a pickle.
Mo Salah is still Covid-19 positive, Sadio Mane recovered and got back to the field while a string of their superstars are still on the injury list that only appears to grow by the game.
Much of this can be attributed to the crammed schedule more so than the pandemic. As the season's international break comes to an end, Liverpool will gear up for a hectic schedule balancing their Champions League commitments along with the Premier League. With the Reds taking on an in-form Leicester City on Sunday, November 22, they will be without the services of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joe Gomez, Virgil van Dijk and Andy Robertson.
Add to this list, their backup defense of Rhys Williams and Fabio Tavares along with their midfielders, Jordan Henderson, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Thiago Alcantara. That's essentially nine players from the roster unavailable.
To make matters worse, they face Atalanta on Wednesday, November 25, as soon as they're done with Leicester. Comparing with the other sides in the Premier League, Jurgen Klopp's men are the most injury-riddled side due to the overuse of the players, thanks to a demanding schedule.
According to a Yahoo report, there are 20 teams that have a combined total of 113 injuries leaving each time with a count of six injured players. It also added muscle injuries have increased by 16% and more have occurred since. The Premier League with two more domestic cups are way too many games for the players as the recovery time is slim and on the clock. The fact that there are players frequently testing positive just makes matters worse for teams.
For the Reds, the goal will be injury management. For Klopp, it will be a major conundrum considering he has a title to defend. He's already voiced out his opinion. "These boys need rest," the gaffer said recently. "It’s a difficult time. … We want to play football, it's great. But playing Wednesday night and then 12:30 on Saturday is a crime and we have to change that."
One possibility would be to bring back the fourth and fifth substitutions so as to preserve a player's energy levels and keep him fresh for the next game. More alarming for Liverpool is the fact that these injuries could be long-term if they continue to stretch their physical limits. Not just would it mean they would be compromising a trophy defense, but also the health of players who have been their assets over the years.
What are your thoughts on Klopp's squad against the Foxes?