Andoni Iraola has set out how Liverpool plan to cover Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo’s absences.
Isak and Gakpo were ruled out of Sunday’s Premier League clash with Manchester City after picking up respective thigh and ankle injuries on international duty.
The pair have been key to the Reds’ early-season form with their pair tallying up a combined six goals and five assists across seven games in all competitions.
While their injuries are not expected to be long-term ones, they are still unlikely to play any part in the Reds’ upcoming four matches during the next 10 days.
That includes two Champions League encounters with LASK and Villarreal as well as a trip to high-flying Brentford that will test a current unbeaten start to the season.
Although Iraola admits that the duo’s lay-offs are less than ideal, he believes their setbacks offer an opportunity to younger players in the squad to step up to the plate.
He said: “It’s a bad thing for us, definitely, because both of them have been prolific at the start of the season.
“But the good thing when you coach Liverpool is you still have very good players available. I trust the players we have ready to go.
“It’s also a good moment for those players to step up, to add good numbers and good performances while we recover Cody and Alex.”
City’s latest visit to Anfield contains added focus after Enzo Maresca’s side were found guilty on 114 charges of breaching the Premier League’s financial rules.
Liverpool lost out to their rivals at the Etihad Stadium in three title races with the first in 2013/14 falling under the nine-year period set to be punished by the top flight.
“We understand and I understand everything that goes above football,” admitted Iraola.
“Every fan will have their own opinion and attitude towards that.
“But it’s not something that I can control.
“I need to do my job, to give the best game we can give on the sporting side, so everyone of our supporters is happy on Sunday.
“I think the challenge of the game for us is big.”