Liverpool ‘could change formation’ after colossal injury and three more things ahead of FA Cup

Jürgen Klopp spoke to the media on Friday morning ahead of Liverpool’s FA Cup quarter-final against Nottingham Forest, with the two teams meeting for the first time in 23 years.
These are the four things Liverpool.com learned from the open section of the press conference as Klopp was asked about Trent Alexander-Arnold, Harvey Elliott, the FA Cup and more.
Klopp on a big injury blow …
“It doesn’t make too much sense to think about [having a break during the internationals]. I would rather have them together for two weeks. Let’s just hope they come back healthy! But before that we have an important game against Nottingham. I have no idea right now [on the team] and we will analyze and make a decision regarding the line-up. We had a few problems since the last game and a few people were sick and hopefully I won’t hear from anyone who is sick today. Trent came out with hamstrings. Nor can it be part of England. We’ll see how long it will take. Mo felt his foot again, so we have to see what happens.
READ MORE:Liverpool can chart ideal Champions League final path as Bayern Munich could disrupt Man City clash
READ MORE:Liverpool make ‘high salary’ offer as Mohamed Salah shows ‘total willingness’ for £58m transfer
“We’ll see how long it takes [with Trent]. It’s hard to replace but not impossible. We have Milly when he is not sick, we have Joe and theoretically, we can also change the system. Milly did incredibly well. How Milly will be on Sunday, I don’t know yet. Maybe we have a very young solution. But I don’t know any player who plays like Trent in the world.”
Klopp later added that Alexander-Arnold would be out for “weeks”, which didn’t look promising at all, especially with Neco Williams on loan at Fulham. James Milner, get ready…
On the clutter of the lights…
“We need luck [with injuries]. We rest here and spin there and we can make players more likely to come back more easily. Five submarines are essential. Scotland are planning six friendlies this summer. Some of them for money reasons. I understand that…but again, England have four games. It’s the first time there hasn’t been a tournament in ages and we’ve put some games on. We talk about how to rest players and get through a season. It is not allowed to accept that players play all the time. It does not mean anything. No one will ever prevent more games from being played. Next season, a normal season plus a World Cup in the middle! We must rest. It’s hard what boys have to do.”
There are way too many games and Klopp is spot on. Mikel Arteta has been mocked by some for criticizing the fixture schedule earlier in the week. It’s understandable as Arsenal haven’t played European football this season, but really any additional voices behind the cause to make things easier for players at the top level should be welcomed, not shot down.
Coming back to Wembley…
“Some time ago we were playing a final at Wembley [before the Carabao Cup final]. The atmosphere created by people was no different from the Champions League final. It’s a fantastic opportunity. It’s good to play the semi-finals at Wembley, but the real deal is a few weeks later. We felt it and we still want it.”
Liverpool’s hunger to win the treble is clear, but they need to take one step at a time to get there and make sure they take each game as it comes. No doubt they will.
On Harvey Elliott…
“It’s the competition for the places [that explains why he hasn’t been playing much]. It was very long and it immediately went like ‘wow, he’s back’. But then everything sorts itself out. It was completely normal and everything was fine. He trains well. Nothing else to say!”
Elliott had to be patient but he could be online for a few minutes this weekend against Forest. With so many options in midfield, it’s hard for him to get chances, but they will come. Bringing him back after a long layoff isn’t a bad thing.