Key Liverpool injury could hand ‘exceptional’ 19-year-old chance to break into Klopp’s first team – opinion

Tue 11 October 2022 18:15, UK Updated Tue 11 October 2022 18:55, UK

Liverpool fans are all too aware of how badly an injury crisis can affect their side.

The constant rotating of centre-back pairs two seasons ago will not have been forgotten by many of the Anfield faithful.

And so Jurgen Klopp would have been wincing when he saw Luis Diaz go down injured against Arsenal on Sunday.

“Lucho we had to change before (half-time). (It’s) something with the knee, not good. He will have a scan and then we will know more.” .

It’s since been revealed

that Trent Alexander-Arnold and Joel Matip will be unavailable for several weeks.

It’s a bitter blow for Klopp whose squad now looks very thing on the ground.

However, there could be a silver lining to this news, as Calvin Ramsay may now be given a chance to deputise for Alexander-Arnold.

The Scottish youngster has yet to feature for Liverpool, but could make his debut now that Klopp’s first-choice right-back is unavailable

Alexander-Arnold injury may give Ramsay his chance

The ‘exceptional’ youngster was seen as a prospect who can learn from Alexander-Arnold.

Klopp would have been hoping he could use pre-season to start adapting to the demands of a full-back in his system.

However, a back injury kept him out of action for several months.

Ramsay was finally on the bench last week against Rangers, but didn’t make the 20-man squad that travelled to The Emirates.

Virgil van Dijk has also said he can only benefit from learning and watching Alexander-Arnold in training.

“He wants to work, he is learning each and every day from one of the best right backs in the country.” Van Dijk said.

“He learns how we want to play, what we expect from a right back in our way of playing.

“He needs time, but his time will come. I am not worried that. But he has been very positive towards everyone.”

That opportunity might come sooner rather than later for Ramsay, with games coming thick and fast for Liverpool.

A win for Liverpool tomorrow against Rangers could seal their place in the last-16 if Napoli beat Ajax.

Although finishing top of the group is important, Ramsay could be given a chance against Ajax in two weeks’ time if qualification is secured.

Joe Gomez is likely to initially replace Alexander-Arnold in the starting line-up, but his injury record is poor as well.

Although the timing of the injury is unfortunate for Liverpool’s number 66, it could have come at just the right time for Ramsay.