Liverpool will be looking to kick-start their Premier League season when club football returns later this month following the conclusion of the World Cup. And the Reds will be able to virtually regard Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota and Andy Robertson as new signings in January, with the trio all taking the opportunity to rest and recover during the World Cup as they aren’t playing at the Qatar tournament.
Liverpool won the Premier League title in 2020 after bagging an incredible 99 points. And they came within one point of repeating the feat last season, but were pipped at the post by Manchester City.
Despite illustrating their title credentials in recent years, Jurgen Klopp’s side have struggled for form this season and have managed to win just six of their 14 top-flight matches. And they are already a staggering 15 points behind leaders Arsenal.
Liverpool will want to hit the ground running when they return to Premier League action against Aston Villa on Boxing Day. And if they can put a strong run together in the New Year, they may just be able to salvage their season.
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Robertson spent a month on the sidelines throughout September and October with a knee problem, with the Reds struggling in his absence. But he has since started five of Liverpool’s six Premier League encounters. The 28-year-old left-back isn’t at the World Cup as Scotland didn’t qualify. And after playing 146 matches for his club in the three seasons before this one, he will have finally had a chance to have a well-earned rest over the last few weeks. And that means Klopp might not feel compelled to rotate him with Kostas Tsimikas as often.
Liverpool will need their best players to be fit and firing in the New Year to have any chance of battling for Champions League honours and finishing in the Premier League top four. And Diaz, Jota and Robertson will have a key role to play.