Irate Liverpool boss likely to blood another colt in Europe

Jurgen Klopp wasted no time giving the media some prime sound bites, but now the Liverpool boss has vented his frustrations, he must find a replacement for Jordan Rossiter against Rubin Kazan.

Using his overworked horses analogy of Rossiter’s perceived mistreatment by the FA, the German tactician must now assess his depleted stable to find a suitable substitute for the Liverpudlian midfielder, who had played all-but 10 minutes of the Reds’ Europa League campaign so far.

Of course Klopp could opt for experience over youth, with Joe Allen short on game-time and Lucas, Emre Can or James Milner providing viable holding options.

However, the new man at Anfield’s helm arrived with a reputation of giving youngsters a platform to impress and given the injury epidemic that has struck his squad, Klopp may well be keen on blooding another prospect to replace Rossiter.

As much as managers profess they don’t have one eye on the next game – in Liverpool’s case the visit of Southampton in the Premier League three days later – Klopp isn’t that naive.

He did have teenage talent Jerome Sinclair stripped and ready for a late cameo at Tottenham in his first match in charge, only for the full-time whistle to thwart the striker’s chance – earning him an apologetic Klopp embrace for his troubles.

While Sinclair may get another sniff against Rubin with Divock Origi currently the only senior striker deemed fit enough for the midweek clash, a run out for Spaniard Pedro Chirivella or Manchester-born Cameron Brannagan from the start, feels more probable.

Both players have already tasted Europa League action and both academy products operate as central midfielders preferably.

In particular, Chirivella did his case no harm having got 60 minutes under his belt in Bordeaux.

Thrown into the action after just 28 minutes by Brendan Rodgers to replace the injured Kolo Toure, the midfielder repaid the faith shown in him by warming to the task nicely in the centre of the park, showing some assured touches.

There are no guarantees Klopp will take a punt in Europe as he looks to earn Liverpool a much-needed 2/5-rated victory, but he could earn the double-sided advantage of resting senior stars and getting a clearer picture of what his young charges can offer long term.

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