Jurgen Klopp faces a tough choice for Liverpool’s FA Cup match against Arsenal as Owen Beck won’t be available due to suspension. The team’s left-back situation is strained with both Andy Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas sidelined by injuries. Klopp brought Beck back from his loan at Dundee to bolster options, but the 21-year-old can’t play against Arsenal due to prior yellow cards received while at Dundee, specifically during games against Bonnyrigg Rose and Inverness Caledonian Thistle in the Scottish League Cup back in July.
The FA confirmed Beck’s suspension for the Arsenal game. Consequently, Joe Gomez is expected to continue filling in at left-back, having performed in that role during the recent wins against Burnley and Newcastle.
Beck’s inability to play is a setback for him, having returned to Anfield eager to seize the opportunity created by injuries in his position. He had a productive loan spell at Dundee, featuring in 20 matches and scoring twice, drawing attention from other clubs.
Klopp expressed the rationale behind recalling Beck, highlighting the team’s depleted left-back options. Liverpool also recalled other loaned players—James Balagizi (Wigan), Fabio Carvalho (RB Leipzig), Rhys Williams (Aberdeen), and Nat Phillips (Celtic)—to address the squad’s needs.
Regarding Phillips, Klopp indicated a temporary return and pending discussions about his situation post-January. He praised both Phillips and Williams for their contributions, emphasizing that circumstances, including injuries and team performance, influenced their loan spells’ outcomes. Phillips will train with the team, while Williams is set to join the under-21s initially, with Klopp planning to discuss the circumstances that led to his loan’s lack of success, as he expected Williams to have had more playing time in Scotland.
Liverpool performance and stats
It will be Liverpool ended the league in the 1st position with 45 points.
In the last 20 games, it has won 13 times, drawn 6 times, and lost once. In its last match, Liverpool won 4-2 against Newcastle United.
It has a positive goal difference after scoring 43 goals and conceding 18.
Liverpool will play the next match in Premier League against AFC Bournemouth on Saturday 13th of January in Bournemouth.