Ever since the injury to Martin Skrtel I’ve been speculating on the value offered by Dan Agger who is likely to replace him in the Liverpool back four. However, there’s an additional factor I’ve, until now, yet to consider.

There’s always a risk of rotation prior to Champions League games amongst the Liverpool squad. However, that could well affect Agger more than anyone, given that Hyypia was omitted from Rafa’s 25 man squad for the group matches…

Hyypia’s omission and Skrtel’s injury, means that Agger may need to be protected prior to Champions League matches, given that cover is short at centre back for the group games. That would seemingly make Agger vulnerable for matches such as Wigan a week on Saturday – just four days before Liverpool take on Atheltico. Whether you feel that’s enough of a risk to overlook his potential is another matter, in the short term, with Degen still sidelined, Arbeloa may well be a safer option after all.