Arthur Melo’s return estimated after news that the Brazilian needs surgery
As per The Athletic (Subscription Required), Arthur Melo will not be in action for a period of four months after a muscle problem in training saw him sit out of the matchday squad against Rangers earlier this week.
Liverpool gaffer Jurgen Klopp will again be short of midfield options on Sunday against Arsenal. Arthur, who was essentially signed on loan as cover for the Reds’ midfield also currently stands out with injury.
With no tentative dates for the return of Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, the Reds will have James Milner, Harvey Elliott and Fabio Carvalho to provide the depth for Fabinho, Jordan Henderson and Thiago Alcantara.
Curtis Jones also made his way back to training earlier this week, but the Arsenal game could come in a tad bit early for the player. However, it is extremely frustrating to see Arthur miss out on more action.
Tough times for Arthur at Liverpool
Melo only has 13 minutes for Liverpool’s first team, against Napoli in the 4-1 loss. Against Ajax and Brighton, remained on the bench. The former Barcelona midfielder got game time with the U21 squad, playing in the Papa John’s Trophy.
With Arthur not available for action until early 2023, it comes as a major blow to Liverpool. It should push the club to look for suitable midfielders as early as the January window to provide extra depth – but that is something no one can tell right now.
The £4m loan fee at this point in time looks like it has not been utilised in the best way possible, but there is nothing more Liverpool or Arthur can do about it from the situation they find themselves in.
With a tough game up ahead against Arsenal, Liverpool could find themselves short of options in midfield. However, that should not be an excuse for any falters in the performance, and hopefully, the club brings their A-Game against the Gunners.
If not, it will be another few days of (understandable) whinging from fans about the summer transfer window that could have been. There is a problem in our midfield, for sure. Ageing, injury-prone players complemented by youngsters that weren’t naturally number 8s in the past.
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But it’s important that we stay positive and back the team. Nothing can be done until January, after all.
