Reds duo may cost Liverpool Champions League qualification and big-money Jude Bellingham deal

Reds duo may cost Liverpool Champions League qualification and big-money Jude Bellingham deal

As Jurgen Klopp continues to deal with a defensive injury crisis, former Aston Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor thinks two Liverpool players may end up costing the team Champions League qualification.

The Reds’ injury-plagued season has contributed to some of their domestic problems; Klopp’s team currently sits in ninth place in the Premier League table, 10 points below the top four.

Even if the Netherlands’ star centre back hasn’t played at his spectacular best this season, his absence has been particularly felt.

Joel Matip and Joe Gomez are the only options now that Ibrahima Konate is also out with a hamstring injury.

And Agbonlahor argues that Klopp’s “problems” are not limited to injuries. In fact, he singled out Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah for criticism.

Virgil van Dijk and Joel Matip. (Getty Images)

Frenchman, Konate is expected to stay sidelined for about three weeks. This could prevent him from playing in the matches against Wolves, Everton, and Newcastle, as well as perhaps missing the opening leg of the Champions League matchup against Real Madrid.

When asked if Matip and Gomez is a good enough partnership to propel the Reds up the table, Agbonlahor told Football Insider: “Not for me, no.

“Liverpool play Wolves next, and you can easily see a Wolves win with Van Dijk and Konate both out.

“It’s one problem for Liverpool, but it’s not just injuries. There’s a problem at Liverpool all over the pitch.

“Salah’s not firing, Alexander-Arnold looked angry after he came off against Brighton. Klopp will need to earn his money here.

“As much as they want to rebuild in the summer, these things could end their hopes of finishing in the top four.

“I think missing out on Champions League football could cost them the chance to get top players through the door.

“Bellingham won’t want to join a Europa League side.”

Liverpool will be back in action on Saturday when they head to Molineux to face Wolves.

In other news, REVEALED: Joel Matip Liverpool future revealed; could he depart Anfield this summer?