Thiago Alcantara return has exposed new headache as Liverpool dangers obvious
Thiago Alcantara has made his long-awaited return for Liverpool but getting back up to speed will be an issue for him and other players
On an afternoon of few positives, there was one chink of light for Liverpool towards the end of a disappointing second half at the Emirates.
With just five minutes remaining in the Premier League defeat to Arsenal on Sunday, the versatile Joe Gomez was sacrificed as Jurgen Klopp made one last throw of the dice by introducing a player who was on the verge of becoming a forgotten man at Anfield.
Thiago Alcantara was making his first appearance in nine months after a nightmare spell on the sidelines with a persistent hip injury. Indeed, it had been exactly a year to the day since the Spaniard had made his last start, his time out punctured only by four substitute appearances last April during a swiftly aborted comeback.
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To think Liverpool had ended his campaign early by green-lighting an operation they hoped would ensure Thiago was back available for the start of pre-season.
Out of contract in the summer and with no suggestion of a new deal being on the table, the 32-year-old is approaching the end of a Reds career that, while excellent in patches, is likely to ultimately prompt feelings of what might have been had he been available more often.
Thiago, though, hasn't left yet. And with Klopp having long had no issue with calling upon players who are approaching the end of their contracts, the midfielder can expect to see more action over the closing four months of the campaign.
Giving the Spaniard minutes to build up match sharpness, though, could well prove difficult. And he isn't the only Liverpool player in that situation, with Klopp and his coaching staff now facing something of a juggling act in bringing their long-term injured personnel up to speed while still challenging on four fronts.
It was easier earlier in the campaign, of course. Early League Cup rounds had to be negotiated, there was the Europa League group stage and, to a certain extent, players were still building up fitness in the opening months of the Premier League campaign when rotation was to be expected. But Liverpool have now entered the period of the season where basically every game is a must-win.
The dangers are obvious. Trent Alexander-Arnold looked way off the pace on his first start in a month at Arsenal on Sunday, and perhaps wouldn't have played had Conor Bradley been available. Dominik Szoboszlai managed two games before aggravating a hamstring problem. And it's noticeable Andy Robertson is yet to begin a game since his comeback after more than three months out, instead making three substitute appearances.
In truth, Robertson hasn't had to, such has been the form of Joe Gomez at left-back. And that in itself could be a quandary for Kostas Tsimikas, the left-back close to making his own return from a shoulder problem.
Thiago faces fierce competition in a midfield where, even with Szoboszlai absent, there are now plentiful options for Klopp. And any first-team action Stefan Bajectic is given this season when the youngster eventually regains fitness will surely be fleeting, likewise fellow teenager Ben Doak in the forward line.
There will still be some chances for players to gain much-needed game time, such as the FA Cup fifth round tie at Anfield later this month, while much will depend on the strength of the opposition faced in the Europa League, particularly with ties being played over two legs.
Otherwise, it could be that cameos will be restricted and entirely dependent on how each match is progressing. Ensuring optimum fitness for the returning cavalry is another balancing act in a season of many for Klopp.