Divock Origi was simply omitted from Liverpool's squad at the weekend rather than being injured, according to reliable journalist James Pearce.

The Lowdown: Origi left out of squad

The Reds were superb away to Leeds on Sunday, cruising to a 3-0 win, although the victory was marred by a serious injury to Harvey Elliott.

Origi played no part in proceedings, having not even made the substitutes' bench, leaving Liverpool with no out-and-out attacker to call upon in reserve. Thankfully, none were needed given the visitors' dominance at Elland Road.

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The Latest: Pearce provides update on Origi

Speaking in a Q&A for The Athletic before the game, Pearce confirmed that the Belgian didn't make the squad because Jurgen Klopp couldn't justify a place for him in it, offering the succinct five-word update of: "Origi not injured I'm told".

In reply to an earlier query as part of the Q&A enquiring whether the 26-year-old was out with injury, the journalist responded: "Not injured I'm told. Klopp clearly thinks if he needs to make a change in the frontline he will bring on Oxlade today."

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The Verdict: Surplus to requirements

It was a surprise that Origi didn't move on in the summer transfer window given his rarity of action, and his latest omission only strengthens that argument.

The fact that Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is now seemingly considered a better option in attack speaks volumes, considering that the 28-year-old is renowned for being a midfielder. Then again, his Belgian team-mate hasn't scored a senior goal in almost 12 months since a Carabao Cup rout at Lincoln.

Origi is still searching for his first snippet of senior action this season and it is hard to see where opportunities will arrive, apart from potentially in domestic cup competitions.

The sooner the 26-year-old leaves, the more beneficial it will be for everyone. His totally voluntary omission by Klopp yesterday, in the absence of any other reserve centre-forwards, was damning.

In other news, some Liverpool fans have hailed a pundit's support of one Reds player. Find out who it is here.