Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp may be forced to bolster his offensive options this summer with Xherdan Shaqiri set for a spell on the sidelines, reports The Daily Telegraph.
Shaqiri suffered a muscle injury on international duty with Switzerland and Klopp has confirmed the 27-year-old will be out for a significant period.
The Copa America and Africa Cup of Nations had already robbed Klopp of Roberto Firmino, Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane for the start of pre-season.
Firmino and Salah’s summers with Brazil and Egypt, respectively, have finished but both will now be given time off to recover from a challenging 12 months.
Mane is still in the Africa Cup of Nations and Senegal are expected to go far in the tournament, leaving Klopp short of attacking options.
Divock Origi is still available but Daniel Sturridge was released at the start of the month after his contract expired.
Klopp sanctioned Sturridge’s departure due to the emergence of 19-year-old Rhian Brewster and the teenager could be thrust into the deep end over the next few months.
Liverpool have also been tentatively linked with a move for RB Leipzig forward Timo Werner, who has entered the final 12 months of his current deal, this summer.
Liverpool have a hectic schedule at the start of the season due to the Community Shield and UEFA Super Cup.
Salah (7.57), Mane (7.43) and Firmino (7.20) were three of Liverpool’s top five WhoScored rated players in the Premier League last season.
