Liverpool have been struggling on all fronts this season, and they show their faults once again, losing to Reading 2-1 at Anfield. Liverpool had the lead for the entire second half, until a 90th minutes penalty leveled the score, and then Shane Long headed home the winner in extra time. So far this season, Liverpool have crashed out of the Champions League, FA Cup, and Carling Cup, and we’re not even through January yet. Unthinkable at the season’s kick-off.

But, losing to Reading may not be the worst thing to happen to Liverpool. And, based on the need for the club to qualify for the Champions League next season, dropping out of the Europa League might not necessarily be a bad thing, either. I’m not saying that Liverpool should purposefully flame out in Europe twice this season, but the added games would only clutter the fixture list, and force Rafa Benitez to play his best players more often, increasing the risk of injury. Add to that the fact that Benitez has said that Liverpool would likely have to sell Fernando Torres if they don’t qualify for next season’s Champions League, the Barclay’s Premier League should be of utmost importance.

But, one thing I can’t criticize is Benitez’s squad selection. He didn’t treat the FA Cup like a second rate tournament, starting his big guns in Torres, Gerrard, Aquilani, and Kuyt. The only notable exception was Martin Skrtel. So, don’t blame this loss on squad selection, which I can commend Bentiez for.

UPDATE: Liverpool’s woes continue, after the news that Fernando Torres will be out for six weeks after injuring his knee, which will require surgery to repair damaged cartilage. Torres was substituted 30 minutes into yesterday’s FA Cup match, and was replaced by David N’Gog. If that wasn’t bad enough, news has also surfaced that Steven Gerrard will be out for two weeks with a hamstring strain, and Yossi Benayoun will be out three to four weeks with a broken rib. Liverpool have just agreed to terms Maxi Rodriguez, who will transfer from Atletico Madrid on a free transfer. He can’t get to Anfield soon enough if Liverpool have any hope of salvaging a top four finish.

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