Liverpool attacker Adam Lallana has been ruled of Thursday’s UEFA Europa League round of 32 clash against German outfit Augsburg, but defensive midfielder Lucas Leiva is back in the squad having recovered from his muscle injury.
The Reds have had wretched luck when it comes to injuries to key attacking players this season. Barring former Manchester City midfielder James Milner, each member of Liverpool’s attacking unit has been absent due to injury at some point or the other during the course of this campaign.
Lucas fit; Lallana, Kevin Stewart ruled out of Augsburg clash
Joining the list of injuries is attacking midfielder Adam Lallana and youngster Kevin Stewart, who had just broken into the first team and was expected to feature at some point in the tie.
Lucas Leiva, who was rested at the weekend as a precaution following a muscle injury, will be back in the squad.
Speaking ahead of the game, Klopp was quoted by the Liverpool official website as saying that Lallana had no chance of being available for selection at the WWK Arena, while the German also provided an update on the injury status of Lucas and Kevin Stewart.
“Lucas is back fit but not Adam – he has no chance for Thursday’s game,” the 48-year-old said.
“We lost Kevin Stewart in training,” Klopp added. “He blocked a shot and his ankle was not stable. It was a bit bruised so we have sent him for a scan. We think it’s the ligament.
“He trained outstandingly and then this happened. That’s not too good.”
Injury list mounting again
The duo of Lallana and Stewart will join the other six injured players on the sidelines, including Dejan Lovren, Martin Skrtel, Jordan Rossiter, Joe Allen and long-term absentees Danny Ings and Joe Gomez.
Nevertheless, Liverpool have enough talent in the squad to select a strong starting XI. With the weekend being free for the Reds following their exit from the FA Cup, Klopp will be going all out to win the tie that offers Liverpool the most realistic chance of getting back in the UEFA Champions League.
