The Reds just keep winning, the train keeps on rolling. This weekend saw Liverpool beat Wolves 1-0 at Anfield in controversial circumstances – well – controversial if you’re a Wolves fan. Despite naming a strong side to face Wolverhampton, there was one glaring omission. Jürgen Klopp has explained that Xherdan Shaqiri picked up an injury which kept him out of the squad.
Liverpool won the game thanks to a first half strike by Sadio Mane. VAR was called upon to give the Mane goal and disallow a Pedro Neto’s effort on the stroke of halftime.
The gaffer named a strong lineup, Naby Keita was the only player rotated out following the impressive win over Leicester City midweek. Jürgen Klopp explained his thinking to Sky Sports, saying:
“We thought of course about it [making more changes] but it was, for different reasons, not really possible. Maybe one more change would have been possible. Shaq would have started today but he’s not available and so that’s the line-up. So, all good. Yes it’s intense for everybody, but we’ve known that for ages so we have to fight.”
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The Xherdan Shaqiri injury is a real blow for all involved. We are not quite out of the woods when it comes to the hectic winter period, the Reds still have to play Sheffield United on the 2nd of January and Everton just a few days later in the FA Cup. The Swiss winger is likely to miss both games as Klopp told BBC Sport that Shaqiri could be out for “10 days”.
There’s no doubt that Shaq would have featured in at least one of these games. The midfielder has proven to be a vital rotation option when the fixtures have piled up, he played out of his skin when we battered Everton 5-2 at Anfield.
Shaqiri’s absence could open the door for Harvey Elliott, the boss has already hinted that the 16-year-old could get some minutes in the coming weeks.
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