Liverpool’s hard-fought 2-0 victory over Preston on Wednesday night earned the Reds a spot in the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup - but will not bring Jurgen Klopp much festive cheer, come December.
Goals from Takumi Minamino and Divock Origi ensured the Reds saw off a tough Preston side, with their quarter-final opponents to be decided on Saturday morning.
However, the next round of the cup is due to be played on December 21/22, adding another fixture to Liverpool ’s packed schedule.
The addition of the cup tie means the club face the mammoth task of nine games in 27 days across the festive period.
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Though Klopp made 11 changes for the midweek clash at Deepdale, the Liverpool boss faces an uphill battle as the Reds attempt to compete across three competitions.
Starting December with a midweek Merseyside Derby away at Goodison, Liverpool then go to Wolves (December 4), just a few days before taking on AC Milan at the San Siro in the Champions League (December 7).
Home ties then follow against Aston Villa (December 11) and Newcastle (December 16), with the Reds also playing away at Tottenham (December 19).
Klopp’s side could have theoretically enjoyed a week’s break had they not progressed in the cup, but their quarter-final tie is scheduled to take place a few days later (December 21/22).
Liverpool take on Leeds at Anfield in the traditional Boxing Day fixture, before meeting with former Reds boss Brendan Rodgers at Leicester (December 28).
The Reds faced the same amount of games in December 2019, when a trip to the Club World Cup in Qatar saw the Reds play a youth side in the League Cup against Aston Villa.
The involvement of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, and Naby Keita in the Africa Cup of Nations also provides an added compilation.
The trio could leave for international duty after the Boxing Day clash against Leeds and may not return until mid February should their country reach the Final, although Liverpool are yet to hold talks with the nations involved.
The Reds begin the New Year with a trip to Chelsea (January 2) and face an FA Cup third round tie the following weekend.
Progressing to the Carabao Cup semi-finals would also see Liverpool play the first of their two legs shortly after the game at Stamford Bridge (January 4/5).
Full Liverpool fixtures for December:
Dec 1: Everton (A, 8:15pm
Dec 4: Wolves (A), 3pm
Dec 7: AC Milan (A), 8pm
Dec 11: Aston Villa (H), 3pm
Dec 16: Newcastle (H), 8pm
Dec 19: Tottenham (A, 4.30pm
Dec 21/22 : Carabao Cup Quarter-final
Dec 26: Leeds (H), 12.30pm
Dec 28: Leicester (A), 8pm
