Here is your Liverpool morning digest for Tuesday, October 25.
Jurgen Klopp discovers Liverpool line-up truth
Jurgen Klopp was absolutely loathe to use it as an excuse. But there was no escaping the basic fact Liverpool were missing an awful lot of players when they slumped to Premier League defeat at Nottingham Forest on Saturday, writes Ian Doyle.
Even among those who were available, many were significantly below their physical peak whether due to carrying knocks or feeling the effects of having to play a third top-flight game in less than a week.
"It was intense, three games, six days and limited squad," said Klopp afterwards. "It was clear we would not fly through this game. We knew it would be a difficult game. We played on Saturday and Wednesday and the last three games were in six days. In our situation that's the worst that can happen."
READ MORE: Jurgen Klopp must solve huge Liverpool problem as three players show they can't play together
Not that it was just Liverpool who suffered with the quick turnaround of Premier League matches. Not one of the 20 clubs were able to win all three games, with Fulham, Leicester City and Newcastle United taking the most points with seven.
Even Arsenal and Manchester City, whose midweek encounter was rescheduled due to the Gunners having to play a Europa League tie last Thursday, would have failed to take maximum points regardless, City having already lost at Liverpool while the Londoners were held at Southampton on Sunday.
With the incessant schedule now ramping up ahead of the World Cup - and, let's be honest, some players mindful of not missing a tournament that starts in less than four weeks - injuries and absences are now starting to bite into most squads.
But there's little doubt few are at present being hampered as much as Liverpool. The extent of that was laid bare at the City Ground when, for a variety of reasons, the team that took to the field contained at most four players who, on form, could be regarded as being in the first-choice XI.
READ THE FULL STORY HERE.
Liverpool new club doctor search update
Liverpool are pressing ahead with their search for a new club doctor - as debate over the fitness of Jurgen Klopp's players continues to intensify.
The Reds have been without a full-time employee in the position after Jim Moxon departed in August. Moxon, formerly the Academy doctor, was promoted to the role in the summer of 2020 following his work during the coronavirus pandemic after the departure of Andy Massey.
Head of Academy Medical, Bevin McCartan, and club physician Sarah Lindsay have temporarily assumed the primary medical duties with the first team this season and have been travelling to matches. Andreas Schlumberger, Liverpool's head of recovery and performance, has also taken on extra responsibilities.
The process to replace Moxon remains ongoing, with Liverpool continuing to pursue the best available candidate. While no timescale has been set, the club are mindful any outside appointment would have a notice period to serve that would be dependent on their current employer. The Reds are also considering an internal appointment, with no final decision having yet been made.
READ THE FULL STORY HERE.
READ NEXT:
- Nottingham Forest fan gives perfect response to 'always the victims' chant aimed at Liverpool
What Liverpool players were told by Jurgen Klopp at half-time during 5-0 Man United thrashing
- Liverpool made to wait by fixture update as three Premier League games moved for TV
- Liverpool state of play survey - we want YOUR say on FSG, transfer spending and Jurgen Klopp
- Borussia Dortmund confirm 'next step' for Jude Bellingham amid Liverpool transfer links
