You never know if the international break comes at a good time for Liverpool. We’re going to have to play catch up with the games that are going to have to be replayed - Wolves and Chelsea crammed in somewhere down the line.
From a squad perspective, it gives us a bit of time to get some players back fit from injury. The midfield with Jordan Henderson and Thiago Alcantara back up and running, and one or two others.
Diogo Jota has come back, so has Joel Matip. So hopefully by the time the match against Brighton comes around we’ll have our tried and trusted midfield back, and we’ll have strength in numbers behind them.
READ MORE: Liverpool handed major injury boost as Jordan Henderson England decision made
Jordan Henderson call-up not ideal
Being called up to the England squad is something that Jordan Henderson could probably do without, if I’m being honest.
He’s picking up injuries and he’s got to be managed. Henderson is not old as a player, but he’s played so many games and over the last few years he’s picked up a few injuries, and a couple with England as well.
So from a selfish and Liverpool point of view, I wouldn’t want him to be going with the England squad.
Presumably the two managers, Jurgen Klopp and Gareth Southgate, have spoken to him and asked how he’s feeling. We know he has the experience and know-how, of course, but let’s manage him as a player on the pitch.
Arthur Melo doing what I did to get match fit
I haven’t seen much of Arthur Melo since he came to Liverpool on loan from Juventus. I can only go on what I used to do as a player.
When I was coming back from injury, I would play in the reserves - either at Tranmere Rovers or Liverpool - and I would want to play for them because I loved matches.
I loved match fitness, there is nothing better. Training is great, but match fitness is what you want. Even though the Under-21s or reserves is not at a high standard, it puts you in a good stead for when the time comes.
I’ve not seen much of Arthur so it’s hard for me to assess him. I’ve seen cameos against Napoli.
In a perfect world, he wouldn’t play much because Liverpool have got four or five top midfielders he’s got to get past. Unless he’s just come in as a stop-gap, I don’t know.
Task ahead is clear for Liverpool
What Liverpool have to do to get back on track, and springboard off the back of the win over Ajax in the Champions League, to go on a run of wins like they did last season.
Start getting some clean sheets and the togetherness and the know-how on the pitch, where the balance isn’t quite there.
We know Liverpool have had a couple of new players. Luis Diaz has come in and so has Darwin Nunez up front, so that will need putting right.
If Liverpool can get that belief back, and some players will of course pick up on their own performances, then they are the type of team that can go on a big run of winning games.
Message of thanks
I just want to say a thank you to all of the people who came from Liverpool and all over the world to back me in my charity event at the Boavista Golf Club in Portugal over the weekend.
Hopefully we’ll raise some money for the local people. Liverpool had an input and it’s really appreciated.
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