A line-up of Liverpool‘s absentee players has sent a jolt of shock through fans on social media.

Due to injuries, the Africa Cup of Nations, and the Asia Cup, Liverpool will be without some of the world’s best players and other seasoned first-teamers.

You’d be forgiven for feeling a mix of optimism and despair if you were a Liverpool fan.

There’s plenty of reason for anticipation for when these players do return, but also a gut feeling of dread at facing coming weeks without them.

Liverpool fans will know that the likes of Mo Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Thiago aren’t available… but seeing it presented in such a stark fashion has highlighted how crowded their treatment table is.

Mohamed Salah is among the names that Liverpool will have to contend with as he is at the Africa Cup of Nations

Hanging around on the goal line is Adrian, Liverpool’s third-choice goalkeeper.

It’s safe to say Liverpool are well-stocked in the goalkeeping department but while they are in four competitions it would be nice to have Adrian available, especially given his experience in the Premier League and Europe.

In defence, Alexander-Arnold is joined by Joel matip, Andy Robertson, and Kostas Tsimikas – that’s essentially three-quarters of their regular defensive line-up.

What. The. F*ck! pic.twitter.com/Y5ETExwSuh

— 🅘 (@LFCApproved) January 9, 2024

Matip’s absence has given Ibrahima Konate the opportunity to flourish and Liverpool have coped well with his absence, but the injuries to Robertson and Tsimikas will hurt at left-back.

The midfield is commandeered by Thiago, Stefan Bajcetic, and Wataru Endo, who will wear the armband for Japan at the Asia Cup.

Thiago is yet to play a game this season and Liverpool have fared well without him but his quality was evident, while Bajcetic showed a lot of promise.

Wataru Endo has established himself as an important player at the Fulcrum of Jurgen Klopp’s midfield but is on Asia Cup duty with Tokyo