Just as Liverpool were hoping to turn up the pace in the Premier League title race, they have been hit with some big injuries.
Even though a number of them occurred against Brentford on Saturday, Jurgen Klopp was still able to watch his side stroll to a thumping 4-1 win to maintain their status at the top of the Premier League table.
But after hearing about Diego Jota’s injury, after he was stretchered off, Peter Schmeichel stated that the Liverpool forward is a ‘big, big loss’ because ‘what a great player he has turned out to be in Salah’s absence’.
Then there is goalkeeper Alisson Becker, already absent for the trip to the capital, the former Manchester United star added that Liverpool’s number one is a ‘big, big player’ and his absence is felt when he isn’t there, as he told Premier League Productions (18/02/24 at 1:05 pm).
That’s not even mentioning the fact that Curtis Jones also went off injured on Saturday, with the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dominik Szoboszlai already absent.
Whilst the Reds showcased their attacking might against the faltering Bees, with the likes of Darwin Nunez and Mohamed Salah proving their worth.
In this three-way Premier League title race, Peter Schmeichel questioned if that might just affect Liverpool and result in them dropping points going forward.
Liverpool’s injuries
“Look at Liverpool and the injuries they got against Brentford and the injuries they carried into that game as well,” said Schmeichel.
“I mean, they are key players. You need those players all the way in. Jota, what a great player he has turned out to be in the absence of Salah for instance.
“But it’s a big, big loss. Salah is back, for Liverpool, hopefully, he will add to them because he is a very important player.
“Players like Alisson, when he is not there, that’s a big, big player in the way and the style that they play not to have, so you look at Liverpool and think ‘are they vulnerable?’ and ‘can they keep up the pace?’”
With Manchester City dropping points at home to Chelsea are Saturday, they won’t be able to claim top spot, even if they win their game in hand against Brentford on Tuesday night.
But with Liverpool contesting the League Cup final on Sunday, they will host Luton Town in the Premier League on Wednesday night and it provides them with a chance just to put some pressure on Arsenal.
Whilst Klopp and his players will be looking to add another three points to the title race, Arsenal will be in Champions League action on the same evening, before having to face Newcastle United on Saturday night.
Yes, Eddie Howe’s side have had their troubles this season, but they are still a top side and they did claim a point at the Emirates last season.
If anything of the same is produced again, then those at Anfield will be jumping with joy.
