SG shoulder surgery: Who will step in?

Liverpool Football Club have confirmed their captain, Steven Gerrard, is to undergo an operation on his shoulder in the near future – earlier than originally planned. A club statement read, “The captain's injury has progressively worsened in recent weeks and requires an operation to cure it. Gerrard will now miss the final two games of 2012-13, but he is expected to be fit for the start of pre-season training this summer.” Whilst reds fans will not see their leader’s absence as a blessing, they can take some solace in the fact the two games Gerrard will miss are not crucial and he should return revitalised after a summer break. The fact that retiring club legend, Jamie Carragher, will almost certainly now take the armband for his final two competitive games also seems fitting.

So who will replace ‘captain fantastic’ for the remainder of the season?

For me, and probably against popular opinion, Oussama Assaidi should be handed an opportunity. A change of formation from Brendan Rodgers’ familiar 4-2-3-1 would not be necessary, with the maturing Jordan Henderson moving back alongside Lucas Leiva in a midfield two – the role vacated by Gerrard. Assaidi could then slot into his favoured position on the left of an attacking midfield trio, behind Daniel Sturridge. The blossoming Brazilian, Philippe Coutinho, could then remain in the central attacking midfield spot where he is at his most effective.

Whilst having flattered to deceive in a red shirt up to now, I get a feeling the tricky Moroccan (Assaidi) has more to offer. His attitude seems admirable and he is desperate for a chance to shine in the first team. "It's difficult if you don't play but I must have patience," he recently insisted. "I'll try to work hard and maybe the chance is coming. I am very happy to play for this big club - it's a dream. When I get minutes on the field, I enjoy it and it's very nice to play at Anfield. I think I have been training well but all I can do is wait for my chances. I think I need more power.” The winger is clearly prepared to work hard for a chance to play for Brendan Rodgers, and now is an ideal time for him to adapt to Premier League football (with nothing to play for).

There are other options available to the Liverpool boss; Fabio Borini, who possesses a similar appetite for the game to Assaidi, could be in line for a start. This could however cause Coutinho to be shifted into a wider role – a downside in my eyes.

Exuberant 21-year-old, Jonjo Shelvey, could also replace Gerrard. The midfielder enhanced his case for a starting berth by scoring an impressive long-range goal in an under-21 Premier League elite group game against Manchester United on Monday night.  The strike was ironically similar to one of his skipper’s renowned long-range shots. Shelvey’s inclusion in Liverpool’s senior team in their next match against Fulham would perhaps be the most seemless transition, as the midfielder has a fair bit of Premier League experience (despite his young age).

One improbable, but interesting replacement for Gerrard would be Liverpool under-21 captain Conor Coady. The 20-year-old has performed well at youth level this season and has been knocking on the door for a chance in the Premier League. Coady has earned a place on the bench in the competition for Liverpool’s first team, but up to now has only spent time on the pitch in the Europa League. The level-headed scouser perhaps deserves a run out.

So whilst missing Steven Gerrard for the final two games of 2012/13 is a drawback for Brendan Rodgers, positives can be taken from his absence. Whoever steps into the void left by the Liverpool’s leader will gain some precious Premier League experience in a couple of downbeat, end-of-season, matches. 

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