It seems like Suarez has been out for an eternity- he returns and could feature against Tottenham Hotspur tonight- read our assessment of how have Liverpool performed in his absence…
When Suarez was handed his eight-game ban at the end of December it was not the news Liverpool supporters wanted to hear.
A joke did the rounds on Twitter that the club were being punished doubly, by being forced to field Andy Carroll as Suarez’s replacement.
So while Suarez’s absence was a blow for him, it presented an opportunity for others to make their mark.
Overall we feel Liverpool have done pretty well without their Uruguayan striker.
The main objectives were to stay in touch in the race for the fourth Champions League spot, and to reach the Carling Cup Final by defeating Manchester City.
In the Premier League, Liverpool currently sit five points adrift of Chelsea who occupy the fourth spot.
If they win their game in hand tonight- against a dangerous Tottenham Hotspur- they will cut the gap to two points, and rise from seventh to fifth.
A Carling Cup victory later this month would also guarantee Europa League football, taking the pressure off the club in case they were to miss out on European football altogether.
This would place them ideally going into the final stretch of the season.
But it was beating Manchester City in the Carling Cup which really saved their season.
Days before the semi-final second leg, they had crashed to a dismal 3-1 defeat away to struggling Bolton Wanderers, and manager Kenny Dalglish threatened to wield the axe.
It seemed to have the desired effect, Craig Bellamy inspired them to victory, proving why he is an able deputy and accomplice to the returning Suarez.
The club also had a perfect boost with the FA Cup win against Manchester United days later, which only served to further lift the atmosphere.
It is still possible Suarez will play in two Wembley finals before the season is over.
There are also signs that other squad members are now coming to life.
Dirk Kuyt is back scoring again, and Andy Carroll- largely disappointing in Suarez’ absence- also netted in the last game against Wolves, which may give him the confidence lift he needs.
Liverpool were far from flying when Suarez was available, he was struggling to finish chances, and probably affected by the ongoing off-field situation.
Now he is back, he can lift Liverpool, and finally he will have a chance to play regularly alongside Steven Gerrard, a partnership which has so far not been given time to blossom on the pitch due to injuries and suspension.
Overall: We give Liverpool a B+ grade for their performances without Suarez, all objectives were achieved, but Carroll’s failure to take the bull by the horns and the defeat at Bolton prevent our mark from being higher.
image: © Sanjiva
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