Liverpool are going to have to get used to life without Luis Diaz and Trent Alexander-Arnold - at least for a couple of weeks, in the latter's case.
The duo are regulars in the starting XI but picked up injuries which forced them off in the defeat at Arsenal on Sunday. It leaves Jurgen Klopp needing to shuffle his pack - something he has not done with great regularity. Liverpool's starting XI has been hugely consistent under the German.
Only in midfield has Klopp made changes on a weekly basis, with their backline and attack often having a familiar look. But he will have his hand forced as he admitted after the Emirates loss: "He [Alexander-Arnold] is injured unfortunately. Like Luis Diaz as well, it doesn't look good for both. That is the icing on the cake..."
It has since been confirmed that Diaz, who has scored four times this term, will be out until around Christmastime. The Colombian has been one of the team's brighter sparks in what has been a difficult period. Alexander-Arnold, meanwhile, has copped more criticism that usual, which was only magnified by his England snub.
The pair's absences will leave Klopp, who is looking to get his Reds back on track, seeking some solutions. Andy Robertson, who has been a stalwart of the left on the defence, is also injured but expected back later on in the month.
Klopp recently changed his formation and could continue with that by introducing new personnel, or he could revert to type. A trip to Ibrox to face Rangers in the Champions League is Liverpool's next assignment on Wednesday. That comes just days before they welcome a relentless Manchester City side to Anfield.
After that, they face West Ham United, Nottingham Forest, Ajax and Leeds United - all in the month of October. We take a look at how Liverpool could line up minus two men we've become accustomed to seeing in the starting XI.
How should Liverpool line-up for their hectic October run? Have your say in the comments...
New idea, new personnel
Last week, Klopp switched from a 4-3-3 to a 4-2-3-1. He claimed, after the win over Rangers, that the new system gave the team some more solidity, which was backed up by a clean sheet. However, it was exposed in the loss at Arsenal, who were able to play through them.
Liverpool are unlikely to scrap their experiment after two games, though. With Diaz absent, it could allow Roberto Firmino to come back in as a starter. The Brazilian has excelled as a false-nine and could play centrally behind Darwin Nunez.
That would free Diogo Jota up to move out onto the left, leaving Mohamed Salah to occupy his usual role on the right as he searches for top form. Alexander-Arnold's absence could allow Joe Gomez to come in, as he did on Sunday.
Failing that, summer signing Calvin Ramsey, captured from Aberdeen, has begun training with the first-team and it could be the ideal time to assess where the Scot is at in his development against Premier League opposition.
Possible XI: Alisson; Gomez, Matip, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Henderson, Thiago; Salah, Firmino, Jota; Nunez.
Keeping it solid
With one of his attackers missing, Klopp could comfortably go back to his tried-and-trusted 4-3-3. Having the extra man in midfield would also help Liverpool look more composed and present more problems for their opponents. Liverpool also have an unwelcome habit of conceding first in games.
Klopp could go with either Firmino or Nunez centrally, with Diaz and Salah on either flank. In midfield, the German could go with Jordan Henderson, Thiago and Fabinho - previously seen as the preferred three. None of the trio are in brilliant form, but still have plenty of credit in the bank.
Liverpool are also not blessed with other options at the moment as Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain find themselves out injured. Loan signing Arthur, who arrived in the summer, has barely played for the Reds and is also sidelined for several months leaving Harvey Elliott as a potential starter
Possible XI: Alisson; Gomez, Matip, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Elliott, Henderson, Thiago; Salah, Nunez, Jota.
Back youth
Some may argue that, even at this early stage of the season and with injuries to deal with, Liverpool having nothing to lose by rolling the dice over the coming weeks. Klopp's philosophy, whilst it is not getting results right now, has not suddenly stopped working.
Liverpool have proved that they can score goals at will - hitting Bournemouth for nine and scoring three past Brighton recently. A fresh injection of quality and energy could do them the world of good, with Curtis Jones often proving himself in the first team.
Summer signing Fabio Carvalho has already grabbed the headlines this term with a late winner against Newcastle. He underlined his appetite for goals and assists whilst at Fulham last term, and a run of games in the frontline could be what he needs to settle in.
Possible XI: Alisson; Ramsay, Matip, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Henderson, Fabinho, Jones; Salah, Nunez, Carvalho.
