How Liverpool may cope without the availability of Georginio Wijnaldum

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The Dutchman limped off during the Netherlands’ World Cup qualifier defeat to France in Amsterdam.

Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp with Georginio Wijnaldum

Liverpool midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum is a doubt for their clash with Manchester United on Monday night after limping off with a hamstring injury during the Netherlands’ 1-0 defeat to France in their World Cup qualifier in Amsterdam, the Liverpool Echo reports.

The Dutchman has been an ever-present in the Reds midfield in the Premier League so far this season, and it would be something of a blow to Jürgen Klopp if he were unavailable for the visit of Jose Mourinho’s side.

Wijnaldum has operated in a midfield three with Jordan Henderson playing in the deeper role, with Adam Lallana sharing the responsibility of getting forward and beyond the defensive line.

The Echo reports that Lallana himself is struggling to be fit for Monday’s game after he was substituted in the first half of the Reds’ win over Swansea City prior to the international break.

Liverpool’s Adam Lallana with manager Juergen Klopp as he is substituted

So, it could mean something of a rejig in the middle of the park for Klopp ahead of another big early-season game for his side, as they look to keep up with the pace setters sitting just ahead of them.

If one is to assume that both players are out of the game, then two enforced changes take place. Daniel Sturridge could start up front with Philippe Coutinho dropping back into midfield, while Emre Can would be the most likely central midfield player to get his first start of the season if his fitness is up the manager’s standard.

Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp with Emre Can as he prepares to come on

The intriguing thing is, what happens in terms of the side’s shape? Does it remain the same or do Liverpool have two midfielders sitting – with one having a little more licence to break forward? Or does the shape remain the same?

If the shape were to remain the same, then the limited evidence of the only game where both Henderson and Can started would see Henderson pushed further forward and Can playing in the deeper role – as per the 5-0 win over Burton Albion in the EFL Cup in August.

Liverpool’s Jordan Henderson celebrates after the game

But the recent substitute appearance for Can at Swansea – when he was on the field at the same time as Henderson – saw the German a little more advanced. If the shape were to change, it would only be a subtle one given how much Klopp likes his players to commit to attacks – it would be more about the role his players are carrying out that determine how they fit in.

Klopp will give every chance for his players to prove their fitness ahead of the game on Monday night, but he won’t take a risk. The heartening thing for him is that he has options – but he will be hoping for no tales of woe following this break in the season.