Liverpool could be without Trent Alexander-Arnold to face Watford this weekend. The Scouse defender was forced to withdraw from Gareth Southgate's latest England squad because of a hamstring issue, and it remains to be seen as to whether he'll be ready for a return on Saturday afternoon.
Speaking about his star full-back during his pre-match conference, Jurgen Klopp's comments were vague when asked his availability. The German coach seemed optimistic for his selection against Benfica, but this weekend could come too soon.
"Trent trained yesterday in parts and will be in full training today. We will see what we do with that," he said. "It will be tight for tomorrow (against Watford)."
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YOUR SHOUT: Pick your Liverpool team to take on Watford at Anfield
If the 23 year-old does miss the contest, Klopp will likely have to choose between Joe Gomez and James Milner for the spot, each of whom offer very different perks in a tactical sense.
Gomez is more of a centre-back, and Milner is more of a central midfielder. The former would offer more defensive assurance, but is that what will be needed at Anfield?
The player who is chosen will have to suit what Liverpool require during the game and based on the strength of the Reds and the current position of Watford in the Premier League table, there is enough of an argument to suggest that Milner is better equipped to contribute.
Roy Hodgson is now in charge of the Hornets. The seasoned English coach has a reputation for defensive organisation as his teams tend to be difficult to beat, which offers an insight into what the Reds will come up against.
4-3-3 has been his favoured shape since taking charge at Vicarage Road but against an opponent as strong as Klopp's outfit, Watford are almost certain to form more of a 4-5-1 by instructing their wide forwards to track back and help without the ball.
Alexander-Arnold offers progression to his team whenever he's on the pitch. The Englishman is an expert at opening up defensive opposition by finding valuable spaces with his passing, and he's intent on moving his teammates closer to goal.
His impressive number of progressive passes captures his impact. So far this season, he's averaging 9.3 progressive passes per 90 in the Premier League, which places him behind only Thiago Alcantara in the whole division based on players who have amassed at least 500 minutes on the field.
His contributions are lost when he's unavailable, but Milner seems to be one of the surprising few who also boasts plenty of progressive passes. The veteran is averaging 7.2 per 90 this season, which places him behind only Thiago, Alexander-Arnold and Joao Cancelo across the Premier League.
For perspective, Andy Robertson averages 6.7 progressive passes per 90, Kostas Tsimikas averages 4.7 and Gomez averages 4.2.
Milner isn't as mobile as he once was, but he does possess an underrated ability when it comes to moving his teammates up the field. It is one of Alexander-Arnold's biggest qualities, and one that Milner is capable of recouping to an extent.
The 36 year-old isn't as influential once the ball reaches the final third, as he's less likely to generate scoring opportunities for the players around him compared to Alexander-Arnold, but he could be more helpful than Gomez on Saturday afternoon.
