Brigit Adongo
After missing out on a three-point lead atop the Premier League table thanks to a three all draw on the road against The Bees over the weekend, the Red’s squad has undergone changes ahead of their Champions League clash against FC Porto on Tuesday evening.
Trent Alexander Arnold, the 22-year-old English right-back, Scottish left-back Andy Robertson, and Brazilian number one Allison are among those who have been dropped from the first team.
Despite Arnold’s appearance at Monday’s training, he and the other two, all members of the recently elected ‘captains’ group’ did not travel to Portugal for their coming group B matchday two games.
The three were elected by fellow teammates to replace and increase Liverpool’s internal captain squad to six after former member Georginio Wijnaldum’s summer exit left a three-man Van Dijk, Jordan Henderson and James Milner as the only members.
Looking to improve on their last match draw and maintain the Champions’ League winning run after their matchday one victory against AC Milan, Klopp’s decision leaves most of, if not the whole Liverpool family uncertain of the side’s performance in their upcoming showdown.
The Anfield boss cited fear of no members of the elusive captains’ group being fit for some matches, as sometimes seen last season, as the reason for having three additional members.
Since the club maintains silence regarding Arnold’s fitness, it’s only hoped that his absentia from tonight’s game has everything to do with his new position or staying fit for future games, and nothing to do with a possible injury.
All is not hopeless though, as the Premier League side brings with them their opponent’s former forward, Diogo Jota, in the fixture.
The Portuguese, who scored in Liverpool’s last game, will be a huge boost to their side facing his former club in a familiar home country if his current manager’s satisfaction and enthusiasm regarding the forward’s performance holds value.
In Klopp’s own words, Jota has, among other favourable attributes, “a strong personality, maturity at such a young age, scored many important goals, and is made for the Liverpool style.”
The coach also stresses the fact that Porto are unpredictable thanks to their constant changing of players, which ensures new blood and new capabilities.
Therefore, his side will not overlook the Portuguese side’s capabilities, despite beating the latter in their last two match-ups.
So, with some dropped and some called, all the best to the EPL side in today’s game and this season’s Champions League campaign.
