As Wataru Endo competes for Japan at the Asian Cup, Liverpool will be without him for the foreseeable future. While he’s away, they may arrange themselves like this.

Over the past three months, Wataru Endo has established himself as a mainstay in Liverpool’s starting lineup. For the first time since 2006, the holding midfielder started five games in thirteen days last month.

However, for the time being, he will be absent. Endo may be sidelined until February 10th, depending on how well Japan performs at the Asian Cup, when he will play for his national team.

Without him, Jurgen Klopp and company will need to get creative in order to form a midfield. Without Wataru Endo, he will have these four choices.

MAC ALLISTER – Jones – SZOBOSZLAI

Here we have the most glaring example. This was basically Klopp’s midfield setup before Endo (or before Endo’s breakout). With two more forward midfielders on either side, Alexis Mac Allister would sit in the role of captain.

By now, everyone should be prepared for this. While everyone became acclimated to one another, it served its purpose adequately. Since there is now familiarity and expertise, it ought to function more effectively.

With Mac Allister on board, the defense is obviously weaker. Instead, Liverpool would aim to compensate for their defensive shortcomings by enhancing their оffensive play.

Dominik Szoboszlai’s potential hamstring ιnjury adds another complication. As a result, Harvey Elliott may find himself drifting into the right-hand position.

Alexander-Arnold Jones – Szoboszlai

Trent Alexander-Arnold’s playing time in the middle of the field has increased as the season has progressed. His role can range from that of a simple flanker to that of a full-fledged midfielder depending on the situation.

A bit more frequent occurrence is now justified by this. With Owen Beck returned from his loan, Joe Gomez has a chance to start at right back again. Alexander-Arnold can now enter the game in the middle of the field.

Definitely, no one can match his passing range from deep. Liverpool would bring something fresh to the table, potentially compensating for not having a true defensive midfielder.

Elliott, Mac Allister, and Curtis Jones are all available as replacements for Szoboszlai and Jones, respectively.

Jones, Mac Allister, and Thiago

Presenting an entirely novel concept. If Szoboszlai has indeed injured his hamstring, he will likely be out for a time. On the other hand, Thiago may be.

He’s almost ready to go back to training, and Klopp might be eager to have him back there as soon as possible. Being the only midfielder over the age of 25, Endo brings a wealth of experience to Liverpool, which is something they will miss.

Aside from Thiago. Although he hasn’t played a game this season, Klopp is familiar with the deep midfield spot and has used the Spaniard there previously. Endo might make an immediate comeback to the starting lineup.

Mac Allister, Jones, Alexander-Arnold, and Elliott

Even if it seems implausible, this one could be true. Klopp may opt to play with four midfielders instead of five to compensate for the absence of Endo and Mohamed Salah.

With Elliott on the right and Jones (a position he is familiar with) on the left, he has two midfielders who can sit deeper and keep the ball in his side’s penalty area. It would just be a temporary solution, but it might work.

Even with his limited alternatives, Klopp will likely stick with the 4-3-3 formation, but it is there in case of need.