This is not how Jurgen Klopp would have hoped his Liverpool side would approach the Carabao Cup final against Chelsea, with a spate of injuries ravaging the high-performing squad.
The German rocked Merseyside when, last month, he announced that he would be stepping down from his lionised position as manager at Liverpool, but has declared that “there is space for some chapters” in the build-up to Sunday’s showdown.
Liverpool’s spirited 4-1 victory over Luton Town in the Premier League earlier this week underscored the quality and drive that this team possess, depleted but dangerous in their attacking play, so impressive after overcoming a dour opening half.
Despite bordering on threadbare, the Anfield side just keep on plugging away and will face a Chelsea side that have been below par for a second successive season, languishing in tenth in the Premier League.
Nonetheless, Chelsea will be determined for some shiny respite and Liverpool must be prepared for a tough afternoon, with many stars stuck on the sidelines.
The Stamford Bridge side will also be desperate to get their own back on Klopp, whose Liverpool team prevailed on penalties in both the Carabao Cup and League Cup finals two seasons ago.
