After appearing regularly at the start of the season, Fabio Carvalho has struggled to break into Jurgen Klopp’s plans
Liverpool’s crucial match against Arsenal today may be Fabio Carvalho’s last chance to force Jurgen Klopp’s hand in considering breaking backing. Carvalho was Klopp’s first signing last summer after Liverpool fought Fulham for months to bring in the talented Portuguese attacker.
While regarded as a prospect for the future, Carvalho was given opportunities to establish himself in Klopp’s team from the start of the season. He scored in back-to-back wins over Bournemouth and Newcastle, the latter a last-minute winner.
But he hasn’t played in the league since the World Cup ended, except for a two-minute cameo against Bournemouth last month. Carvalho’s minutes have been impacted by the signing of Cody Gakpo, while Diogo Jota’s return from injury means even fewer opportunities for the Portuguese starlet.
He was an unused substitute in Liverpool’s 0-0 draw with Chelsea earlier this week, leaving fans to wonder when the versatile attacker will be given a chance. With Luis Diaz on the verge of making his long-awaited return, today’s game against Arsenal could be Carvalho’s last chance to play.
Klopp confirmed on Friday that the Arsenal game will be too soon for Diaz, but he is expected to return to face Leeds in their next match. With Diaz’s return, Klopp will have access to his entire attacking lineup, which includes Roberto Firmino, Gakpo, Jota, Darwin Nunez, and Mohamed Salah.
Carvalho has frequently filled in as Liverpool’s attacking midfielder, but he is most effective out wide. With his team woefully out of form, Klopp has admitted that he will give others chances in the final few weeks of the season.
The Liverpool manager rested Trent Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah, and Andy Robertson from the team that lost to Manchester City last week. With Klopp admitting that the door is open for everyone, this could open the door for Carvalho to play.
“This was a different week, but we won’t be playing three times a week from now on,” he explained. “We have more time to train, and I have to, and I will make team decisions based on what I see in training.” That allows everyone access.
“We played three times a week, and the boys who play every day recovered.” The other boys can train well, but we won the last game, so why take chances because we saw one session with a few players show up? That’s a different situation, so you let it go and keep on building. What can we now build on? We must evolve.”
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