Why is Liverpool in an attacking crisis?

For the match against Crystal Palace, Liverpool were without Thiago, Roberto Firmino, Diogo Jota and Joel Matip through injury. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Ibrahima Konate look set to miss more time. A lack of communication from Jurgen Klopp's men led to numerous Palace chances towards the end of the first half, although Liverpool held on and went into the break with Crystal Palace 1-0 up.

In the second half, Liverpool were at it again, creating plenty of chances but failing to score. Then Nunez saw his first Premier League start cut short when he was sent off for violent conduct after headbutting Palace's Joachim Anderson. It was the first such dismissal under Jurgen Klopp.

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After the sending off, Liverpool finally scored the equaliser four minutes after the red card, with Luis Diaz scoring a wonder goal. The game continued as it was, with neither side getting the winning goal for their club to take all three points.

Lack of attacking options

Due to Darwin Nunez's dismissal, the Uruguayan is ineligible for selection for the next three Premier League games, including the big game against Manchester United at Old Trafford. Klopp is now left with only Mohammed Salah and Luis Diaz as his ideal strikers. Youngsters Harvey Elliott and Fabio Carvalho are two options, although they are still finding their feet at the top level despite their raw talent.

Another traditional option up front is midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, but the Englishman is also injured and will be out for at least the next few weeks, leaving one less option in the attacking positions. Roberto Firmino and Diogo Jota are also currently sidelined through injury. Jota is expected to be available in early September. Little information is available on Firmino's injury, although it is believed to be a minor problem.

Jurgen Klopp has insisted that it will not be necessary to bring in another signing, but it may be time to start thinking seriously about it. Liverpool will go into the game with many absentees. A possible change of tactics or formation could be necessary to get their first win. Liverpool's next game is the derby against Manchester United, who are also struggling after losing their opening games against Brighton and the 4-0 humiliation at the hands of Brentford.