Allan Rodrigues de Souza provided the main positive on what was a frustrating week of little game-time and injury blows for Liverpool’s loanees.
With the international break complete and club football back underway, the loaned Reds returned to action at their temporary clubs across the weekend.
Only a handful of loanees enjoyed game-time on what proved the most frustrating and unrewarding spell of the season so far for those plying their trade on home soil and around Europe.
Here’s how the borrowed men fared.
There was at least one positive performer …
Allan enjoyed a rare full league game for Apollon Limassol, and took full advantage of the opportunity by producing an impressive performance in a convincing 4-1 win over Alki Oroklini.
The Brazilian dictated the game from his central midfield position, with his intelligent distribution and composure in the middle of the park key to keeping Apollon in the ascendency throughout.
Allan will hope his performance earns more regular outings on the domestic stage, and also keeps him in the team for a must-win Europa League showdown against Lyon on Thursday night.
Disappointingly, only three other Reds enjoyed match action…
Taiwo Awoniyi was the only other loanee to join Allan in enjoying 90 minutes over weekend, with the young striker lasting the duration of Royal Excel Mouscron’s 2-1 loss to Anderlecht.
Having usually led Mouscron’s attack on his own this season, Awoniyi instead featured in a strike partnership as manager Mircea Rednic opted for increased goal-threat in attempt to end his side’s six-game winless run.
Despite the helping hand, Awoniyi endured a quiet afternoon as he was unable to use his physicality, power and speed to make his mark against the Jupiler League high-fliers.
Divock Origi surprisingly dropped to the bench as Wolfsburg hosted a Ryan Kent-less Freiburg side, despite shining with a goal and assist in his last outing before the international break.
The Belgium international had to make do with playing only the last three minutes of a deserved 3-1 win, entering for the final stages to help his side see out the victory.
Pedro Chirivella was the only other loanee to actually make it onto the pitch this week, with the midfielder starting Willem II’s Eredivisie clash with Sparta Rotterdam on Saturday.
In keeping with the theme of the weekend, it proved a frustrating outing for Chirivella who lined up on the right of a central midfield three in his side’s defensive 5-3-2 formation.
After only 40 minutes of the eventful 2-2 draw – at which time his side were trailing 2-0 – Chirivella was forced off with an injury after being on the receiving end of a hefty challenge.
Keita Watch
Liverpool’s record signing was in action for RB Leipzig on Saturday, but Keita didn’t enjoy his best afternoon for the Bundesliga side in a 2-2 draw against Bayer Leverkusen.
The all-action midfielder played only 55 minutes of the stalemate – departing with his side 2-1 up – as he struggled to influence proceedings with his usual dominance and swagger.
Withdrawn without being injured, it’s likely that Keita’s early substitution was made with one eye on Leipzig’s crunch Champions League clash against Monaco on Tuesday night.
And an injury update to finish, with mixed news…
Sheyi Ojo made a welcome return to full training at Fulham this week after missing almost three months with a dislocated shoulder – suggesting a return to action for the Championship side is close.
https://twitter.com/sheyi_ojo/status/930102756316274689
However, Jordan Williams sat out Rochdale’s local derby defeat against Oldham on Saturday due to an injury.
There has been no official word provided on Chirivella’s injury, or the severity of it, but hopefully the 20-year-old makes a swift return to action having recently found good form.
Liverpool’s Loanees This Week
- Origi – Played 3mins vs. Freiburg
- Kent – Left out of matchday squad vs. Wolfsburg
- Randall – Unused sub vs. Partick Thistle
- Chirivella – Played 40mins vs. Sparta Rotterdam
- Awoniyi – Played 90mins vs. Anderlecht
- Allan – Played 90mins vs. Alki Oroklini
- Ojo – Injured
- George – Unused sub vs. Grimsby
- Williams – Injured
- Gomes – Left out of matchday involvement vs. Crewe
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