Liverpool did not simply lose to Tottenham on Saturday afternoon. Jürgen Klopp’s team could also lose a vital player in Curtis Jones, who will be suspended for three games for receiving a straight red card.

Liverpool has stated that it will appeal the red card, as it did with Alexis MacAllister’s dismissal earlier in the season. If they fail, it will be a significant setback for Liverpool and Jones.

Jones was understandably ecstatic after captaining Liverpool against Leicester City in the League Cup midweek. Based on his performance at the conclusion of the season and the start of the new one, he has established himself as a crucial player and regular starter in Klopp’s new-look midfield.

But now he may have to miss critical league games and fall out of rhythm once more.

His absence, though, will definitely provide an opportunity for some of his positional opponents. This includes Ryan Gravenberch, who cost $42 million (£35 million/€40 million) and Wataru Endo, who cost $21 million (£16 million/€19 million). Both players are still adjusting to life in England and will most likely require playing time in the league.

Klopp would have loved to give his new duo those minutes under different circumstances, but Endoo and Gravenberch now have a chance to make their mark on the starting XI and disturb the Anfield order.

Gravenberch may be the logical pick to replace Jones, depending on how Klopp wants to line up his team. He is at ease playing on the left flank and is unquestionably offensive-minded, yet with the same defensive acumen as the Scouser.

However, putting Endo into the holding midfield position could allow another new addition, Alexis Mac Allister, to play in a more forward and preferred position as a number eight in the Reds’ midfield rather than the holding midfield role he has played in thus far this season.

Both would be appealing to Klopp.

Gravenberch has already made an impression on the Liverpool first team, assisting in both of his appearances against LASK and Leicester City. His relentless running and ability to make a difference in the final third have made him an attractive option for Liverpool to employ off the bench.

Endo has taken a little longer to get going, but in his last start against Leicester, he was one of the finest players on the pitch, demonstrating why Klopp thinks so highly of him and wanted to bring him to Anfield.

He was excellent in possession, laying off a really creative pass that broke Leicester’s midfield lines to assist Dominik Szoboszlai, and he also played a significant role in disrupting the opponent’s forward transitions.

Last season, a suspension for Jones could have given Liverpool problems. While Klopp will be upset to lose an in-form player this time, he happily has options to properly replace him.

That’s why Gravenberch and Endo were brought in this summer, and they may now fulfill their ‘mission.’