LIVERPOOL (AFP) - Liverpool must turn to unlikely heroes to overturn a 3-0 Champions League semi-final, first leg deficit against Barcelona on Tuesday (May 7) according to defender Trent Alexander-Arnold after top scorer Mohamed Salah was ruled out with concussion.
Roberto Firmino will also be absent against the Spanish champions leaving Jurgen Klopp without two of his most potent weapons for an already massive challenge.
"Obviously we've got two of our main goalscorers out, but it also presents an opportunity for some of the other lads to come in, make a name for themselves and make themselves heroes," said Alexander-Arnold.
"If we do overturn the deficit tomorrow then whoever scores, their name will always be remembered because I am sure it will be one of those really special nights."
Salah was stretchered off during Liverpool's tense 3-2 win at Newcastle on Saturday that kept alive their chances of a first Premier League title in 29 years after colliding with Magpies' goalkeeper Martin Dubravka for a high ball.
"It's a concussion so that means he would not even be allowed to play," said Klopp at his pre-match press conference on Monday.
"He feels OK but it is not good enough from a medical point of view that is all. He's desperate (to play) but we cannot do it."
Klopp was realistic at his side's chances of progressing to a second consecutive Champions League final, but refused to give up hope with Liverpool's history of European comebacks.
"Together with our supporters it was a long season and there is at least a little chance to make it even longer," added Klopp.
"Two of the world's best strikers are not available tomorrow night and we have to score four goals against Barcelona to go through after 90 minutes.
"It doesn't make life easier, but as long as we have 11 players on the pitch, we will try it." - Anfield an extra man - Luis Suarez scored the opening goal against his former club in last week's first leg at the Camp Nou, but ahead of his return to Anfield, the Uruguayan warned his current teammates of the lift playing on home soil will give Liverpool.
"To play at Anfield is like playing with an extra man for what the fans transmit to the Liverpool players," said Suarez.
And Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde believes attack will be the best form of defence as if the Catalans get an away goal, Liverpool will need to score five.
"What we have to do is score," said Valverde.
Suarez will be joined by Lionel Messi and Philippe Coutinho on his return to Anfield after a £142 million (S$254 million) move to Barca from Liverpool last year.
But Ousmane Dembele is absent for the visitors due to a hamstring injury and Valverde believes the Frenchman's absence will be felt just as much as Salah and Firmino.
"We don't want any player to be injured. It would have been extraordinary to see them all on the field. They are all important," he added.
"Dembele's absence is a problem. Against a team that concedes space (in behind) it is always important to have player like Ousmane."
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer equals long-standing record as Manchester United beat Newcastle. Solskjaer has enjoyed a perfect start to his career as manager, steering United back into top four
Premier League: Newcastle United 0 Manchester United 2 | Goal.com
Chelsea boss Sarri demands more from Hazard. he's more an individual player than a leader," said Sarri on Wednesday. In an interview with France Football, this week Hazard again raised
Chelsea Boss Sarri Demands More From Hazard - Channels Television
Iran's hopes of qualifying for the World Cup last 16 ended as they lost to already-eliminated Bosnia-Hercegovina - BBC (June 25, 2014) Iran coach expects easy win
AFC Asian Cup 2019: Charting Vietnam's journey to the
We have been experiencing some problems with subscriber log-ins and apologise for the inconvenience caused. Until we resolve the issues, subscribers need not log in to access ST Digital articles.
U.S. businesses optimistic on China growth, bemoan unfair
Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino urges Daniel Levy to 'be brave and take risks' in order to transform club Spurs finished 23 points off champions Man City after challenging in previous years
Pochettino wants Spurs players to connect with 'superior energy'
Apr 05, 2019 · Liverpool came from a goal behind to beat Southampton and regain its position at the top of the English Premier League. Liverpool came from a goal behind to beat Southampton and regain its
Southampton vs. Liverpool - Football Match Summary - April 5
Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino was Monday charged with improper conduct by the Football Association following his side's defeat to Burnley. The Spurs boss became engaged in a lengthy and
Mauricio Pochettino: Tottenham boss charged by Football
Mar 15, 2019 · Olivier Giroud scored a hat-trick in Thursday's 5-0 Europa League thrashing of Dynamo Kyiv but he has played only 56 minutes of football in the Premier League this year.
Hat-trick hero Giroud revels in Europa League form | BT Sport
The Merlion Cup returns for an eighth edition this June in a new format after a 10-year hiatus. First introduced in 1982, the invitational tournament was an annual affair until 1986 and saw
Merlion Cup returns after 10 years | Goal.com
Football: Newcastle get extra-time win over Blackburn, Stoke
A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on April 16, 2019, with the headline 'Klopp hails Salah as he targets 97-point total'. Print Edition | Subscribe Topics:
Klopp hails Salah as he targets 97-point total
Football: Sport Singapore enters three-year partnership with
Liverpool rediscovered their swagger and stayed top of the Premier League with a thrilling 5-0 win over Watford that was powered by two goals apiece from Sadio Mane and Virgil van Dijk on
Stylish Liverpool thrash Watford 5-0 to stay top of league
0 komentar:
Posting Komentar