Liverpool suffered a major blow in their 2-1 win over Tottenham last weekend when Alexander Isak was injured. The Sweden international, who scored the opening goal against Thomas Frank’s side, was seen grabbing Micky van de Ven’s leg after a fierce challenge.
It now looks like the £125m signing could face a lengthy absence pending the results of an MRI scan. Mohamed Salah is currently playing for Egypt at the African Cup of Nations, meaning Liverpool’s attacking options have been significantly reduced. And as the January transfer window approaches, Express Sport assesses what Reds manager Arne Slott needs to do to take his side forward in the Champions League and Premier League.
Signed Antoine Semenyo
Slott could bring in Antoine Semenyo to deal with Isaac’s absence. The Bournemouth forward has been consistently linked with the Reds and has had an impressive season so far.
With Isaac and Kodi Gakpo out with injuries and Mohamed Salah on international duty, Slott may need to strengthen his attacking line. Failure to do so could leave Liverpool vulnerable if they sustain further injuries.
Semenyo plays on the left and Salah prefers the right, but the attacker’s talent for finding the net and setting up teammates means he could eventually fill the Egyptian’s boots in the long run.
However, Liverpool face stiff competition from Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham for the £65m player.
The Ghanaian previously expressed his desire to play in midfield, telling AwayDays: “I’m destined to be a number nine. Coach Andoni (Iraola), please let me play as a number nine – that’s all I’m saying.”
This versatility would allow Hugo Ekitike to deputize for Isak when he needs a breather or tactical rotation.
Secure Mark Guehi
Liverpool must lock out the signing of Marc Gehi without delay.
The Crystal Palace centre-back almost joined the slot revolution on summer transfer deadline day, but the move ultimately fell apart at the final hurdle.
The Reds must act quickly to land the former Swansea City defender, as Manchester City and Bayern Munich are eyeing a move for Guehi.
His consistently impressive performances this season suggest a £30m bid could tempt Palace to part with their prized asset, whose contract expires next summer.
Otherwise, the absence of several senior defenders risks a repeat of the 2020/2021 scenario, where Nat Phillips and Rhys Williams formed a centre-back partnership.
Play Wirtz in his actual position
Florian Wirths was scouted as one of Europe’s most promising central attacking midfielders, but Slott appears determined to start him on the left.
It will be interesting to see what the £116m prodigy can achieve when he plays his most effective role as number 10. Admittedly, Liverpool haven’t used a proper number 10 since Philippe Coutinho was at the club, but why not try something new?
Liverpool have replaced Fabinho with Ryan Gravenbirch in their six-man squad in recent years, and both have performed well, allowing the two midfielders in front to flourish and exploit passing spaces.
However, with Wirtz’s arrival, it may be worth trying a slightly different approach to accommodate the German’s skills in the number 10 role.
For example, Grabenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai could be used in a flat midfield partnership. Arguably two of the best midfielders at the moment, ahead of Alexis Mac Allister and Curtis Jones, the latter of whom has been an exception recently.
Wirtz will then be placed in his natural role behind the attacking trio of Semenyo, Ekitike and Federico Chiesa.
