With Emre Can out for the remainder of the season, who can Liverpool replace him with?

The German midfielder has damaged ankle ligaments and now Jurgen Klopp's side must gun for Europa League glory without him

 

The Liverpool midfielder will miss the remainder of the season

Liverpool's breathtaking 4-3 win over Borussia Dortmund last week was one of the most memorable in the club's recent history - but it didn't come without a cost.
Midfielder Emre Can sustained an ankle injury during the second-half and, although he initially played on, he eventually had to be substituted.

Subsequent scans showed the Germany international has sustained ligament damage - leaving Jurgen Klopp with a gaping hole in the centre of his midfield.
The Reds boss now has a huge decision to make about the structure of his team and who should play in Can's place.

Can sustained ankle ligament damage against Borussia Dortmund

Amidst the bedlam at Anfield on Thursday night, few thoughts were spared for Emre Can. The midfielder, so pivotal for Liverpool’s first goal, had just departed the pitch when Mamadou Sakho made it 3-3. What was to follow was remarkable.

He was there on the pitch after Dejan Lovren scored, and then yet again minutes later as the celebrations began in front of the Kop.
It could be the last time he is seen this season.

If Can was not thought much of in the euphoria post-Dortmund, he will be thought of plenty now; the 22-year-old has damaged his ankle ligaments, meaning he will miss up to six weeks.
A cruel blow for the German, who has been superb in recent months and improving all the time under Jurgen Klopp.

A cruel blow, too, for Liverpool. With Jordan Henderson also likely to miss the remainder of the season, it leaves the Reds without their first-choice partnership. Not ideal, given a Europa League semi-final awaits.

Jordan Henderson is also out for the season

There is hope, of course. The 4-1 win at Stoke last weekend came with neither Can or Henderson on the pitch; Joe Allen and Kevin Stewart filled in, and did it well. With Can off the pitch against Dortmund, it was the returning Lucas who stepped in.

There is still plenty left in this season for Liverpool, so there is plenty for Klopp to contemplate in dealing with a midfield vacant of both Can and Henderson.

Indeed, the shape of the side is something to be deliberated. The energy and ability of Can has allowed a two-man partnership, at times. Now, it might be necessary to bring in an extra body – James Milner, for example – to solidify the middle.

An overstatement, perhaps, to suggest what Klopp does will define their campaign. But Liverpool will have to deal with Can’s absence properly; not just in the two-legged tie with Villarreal, but for the remainder of the league campaign.
Here are the options for Klopp to replace Can while the German is out.

Joe Allen

This could be a big month for the Welshman. With just over a year remaining on his contract and no new offer on the table, Allen himself admits he is playing for his future at Anfield. He has done well to give the decision-makers a nudge with his recent performances – including his two off the bench against Dortmund.

Joe Allen could step in for Can

He would, arguably, be best-placed to replace Can. He does not have his power, but he has shown the ability to move between both boxes – a nice addition to his game under Klopp. He has proven he can play in important games in recent weeks.

James Milner

The 30-year-old joined Anfield because he wanted to play in central midfield, but he has found himself back out wide in recent weeks. Restored to the middle against Dortmund at Anfield, he failed to have any impact on the game, and looked far better when put on the right-hand side.

Milner likes to play centrally but he has struggled to influence games from that position

He has been criticised this season – unfairly so, judging by the goals and assists he’s bagged in his first season, and his presence is a no-brainer given his big-game experience. Whether that comes in his preferred central midfield role, however, remains to be seen.

Lucas Leiva

His return from injury could not have been timed better. Back as a substitute in the 4-1 win over Stoke, he replaced Can for the final 10 minutes on Thursday. He gave away a few free kicks, but did not shirk his responsibilities, either.
The Brazilian brings experience. He might not have the dynamism of Can, but he would offer a stability, sitting deep and looking to break up the play.

Lucas Leiva is experienced and his return comes at just the right time

There are still questions over his fitness, but there is time for him to regain that. He was proving solid, dependable and reliable under Klopp before his injury; the hope is he could do that once more.

Kevin Stewart

A similar option to Lucas in that he is very much focused on the back foot first. He was not named in the Europa League squad, so any involvement with the first-team would have to come in the Premier League.
However, as Stoke proved, Klopp is not averse to mixing up his team; as those ahead of him in the queue are selected for the Europa League semi-finals, this could give him an opportunity to fresh up the midfield in the league.

Kevin Stewart is an option but he's ineligible in Europe

It would be well-deserved. The 22-year-old is a solid operator, the surprise beneficiary of Klopp’s arrival.

Cameron Brannagan/Pedro Chirivella

It may seem unfair to put these two youngsters in together, but both have found themselves in similar situations. Part of the FA Cup youth side in January, both now sit on the fringes of the first-team, awaiting their next opportunity.

Cameron Brannagan deserves a chance

They are different to Stewart in terms of style, which has perhaps seen the former Spurs man get the nod ahead of them. Given what both could offer on the front foot – Brannagan in a similar mould to Allen, Chirivella as a controller – they would be options in the league, and also qualify as youth players in Europe.

Philippe Coutinho/Adam Lallana

Taking either Coutinho or Lallana out of the attacking three would blunt Liverpool further up the pitch, but both have shown the propensity to play in a more withdrawn role, so can be considered options.
Under Brendan Rodgers, Coutinho thrived as the third prong of a three-man midfield, while Lallana has been utilised there under Klopp, as well as with England.

Adam Lallana has the ability to play in a deeper role

It would be a surprise, of course. Attacking, too. But when has that stopped this club, and this manager, before?

Jordan Rossiter

The wildcard, perhaps? Rossiter has only run out once under Klopp – a substitute in the Europa League draw with Sion – with his season ravaged by two injuries. He is set to resume training with the Reds soon, however. Not soon enough, in all likelihood.

Jordan Rossiter is an outside bet for the Reds 

 

CREDIT: http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/emre-can-out-remainder-season-7780302