Liverpool's puzzle: Getting the most out of Nunez and Salah

You suspect Jurgen Klopp would have preferred for Liverpool to have an opportunity to quickly build on their dramatic 2-1 win over Ajax.

But the cancellation of the weekend trip to Chelsea and an always unwelcome international break mean the German instead has plenty of time on his hands.

This week’s hiatus is not all bad news, fortunately enough, given it does at least offer Klopp the chance to delve deeper into the reasons behind what has been a slow start to the new campaign.

Here, we examine three pressing issues the Reds boss will be considering prior to his international stars returning to Kirkby.

But for a moment of madness against Crystal Palace, Darwin Nunez would have been three games further along in his bid to adapt to new surroundings, a new tactical set-up, and new teammates.

As it is, the Uruguayan headed out to represent his country having yet to prove that he can do the job he was bought for: replacing Sadio Mane.

Nunez’s bid to do that has hardly been helped by the fact that poor results have ramped up the pressure, a fact that led Klopp to opt for the safety and familiarity of Diogo Jota up top against Ajax last time out.

However, if this season is to be a success, the manager knows he will need to get a tune out of his £85m striker as soon as possible, and the only way to do that is with regular game time.

The imminent easing of Liverpool’s injury crisis is another upside to this enforced break, and it is an improvement of Klopp’s options in central midfield that is sure to be most welcome.

Jordan Henderson is available again after a hamstring injury, while it is hoped that Curtis Jones’ tibial stress issue will settle before club action resumes.

Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are also slated