Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has made it known that Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is one of his three stars who could replace Mane on Saturday.
Alex is yet to make his full debut for the Merseyside club, but was only used as a substitute during their 5-0 loss against Man City last weekend and in the 2-2 Champions League tie against Sevilla on Tuesday.
While still with his former club at North London, the Englishman was used in various positions by his then manager Arsene Wenger. He was used as a right-winger and wing-back – both left and right. But he publicly revealed his desire to play as an attacking midfielder in his new club.
Jurgen Klopp however has a lot of competition in his engine room, and the tussle will only increase as a result of Philippe Coutinho’s return. Also to consider is that injured Adam Lallana – who was very much impressive during the preseason tour – could be fully fit at the start of October.
In-form star player Sadio Mane will start his three-game suspension against Burnley on Saturday, and Alex could be asked to play in an unfamiliar left-wing role by his new manager Klopp.
The German boss, speaking ahead of the premier league game, admits that even though it is always hard to replace top class players, he was able to get things done last season when Mane was out for sometimes.
“There would be moments when Sadio [Mane] would not play [and] that is why we built the squad. [Players like] Roberto, Phil and Alex can play on the left.” Klopp said.
