Emre Can's 6-Week Absence Countered by Liverpool Squad Depth, but Only Just

Liverpool are counting the cost of the international break, with Daniel Sturridge, Emre Can and Joe Allen all arriving back on Merseyside injured.

Sturridge, who faces two to three weeks out, was injured in training last week with England while midfielders Can and Allen picked up their injuries with Germany under-21s and Wales, respectively, this week.

Allen's injury shouldn't see him on the sidelines for long, with manager Brendan Rodgers explaining at his pre-match press conference on Thursday, per the official LFC website, "We just need to assess that for the weekend."

Can's ankle injury means he will face up to six weeks out, though, as explained by Rodgers.

"Those are the types of things than can happen in games and it's unfortunate," said the boss at his press conference.

That means the 20-year-old will miss six Premier League games, the League Cup third round tie with Middlesbrough and the opening three Champions League group games.

It's those cup games in particular where Can would have expected to have been involved. With five fixtures in three different competitions inside 14 days, Rodgers will be rotating his pack, and Can would definitely have featured.

The German would have been expected to make his full debut against either Ludogorets or Middlesbrough, which would have allowed Rodgers to rest his captain Steven Gerrard, too.

"

BR: It’s unfortunate about Emre Can’s injury - he was just starting to show the power his game has and find his feet.

— This Is Anfield (@thisisanfield) September 11, 2014"

Depth

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Thankfully, the nine summer signings—of which Can was one—mean Rodgers has a squad capable of dealing with the injuries that they have suffered in recent weeks; Martin Skrtel, Jon Flanagan and Glen Johnson are also unavailable for Saturday's visit of Aston Villa with injuries suffered before the international break.

From the side that beat Tottenham last time out, Rodgers can bring in Philippe Coutinho and Adam Lallana to replace Sturridge and Allen—not terrible options for any side.

Further options include Lazar Markovic and strikers Rickie Lambert and Fabio Borini. Strength in depth is certainly vastly improved from 12 months ago when Rodgers' options outside his strongest XI consisted of Victor Moses, Luis Alberto and Iago Aspas.

Can's injury means that Rodgers will need to hope that midfield ever-present duo Gerrard and Jordan Henderson remain injury-free during this busy fortnight.

Gerrard, at 34 years old, may still need resting in his deep midfield role, and thus Allen or Henderson may be required to do that job in Can's absence.

Lucas

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There is, of course, also Lucas Leiva, who remained at the club after being linked with a move away this summer. The Brazilian has the experience and can deputise for Gerrard as the holding midfielder.

Therefore, Liverpool may end up being thankful that Lucas, like Borini, remained at the club despite looking certain to leave for long periods this summer. Can's injury could represent one final chance for the 27-year-old.

While Lucas' form since his two injuries might not make him in contention for Rodgers' best XI, he can certainly provide good cover in cup competitions.

These injuries are certainly a test of Liverpool's squad strength, but hopefully it's a test they can pass over the next fortnight.