Andy Lonergan may start against Southampton thanks to a bizarre injury to Adrian.
The Spaniard, who saved the decisive penalty against Chelsea on Wednesday, picked up the injury in the celebrations. That’s already strange enough but what really pushes it over the edge is that a fan did it.
Yes, a fan who ran onto the pitch in celebration slipped as he got near the players. He crashed into Adrian and now the goalkeeper has an ankle problem.
“I really don’t understand why, in the world of social media where you are all on it, when we were all together a supporter jumped over something, was chased by some security guys, slipped and kicked [Adrian’s] ankle. Crazy,” said Klopp.
“Yesterday it was swollen. Today I spoke to him and he said it is better, much better than yesterday, but we have to see.”
It’s one of the most bizarre situations in years. Here Liverpool are, hoping that a backup goalkeeper signed barely a week ago can recover from an injury caused by a fan.
Because otherwise, a 35-year-old third-choice, who last played for Rochdale, will have to start in the Premier League. It would make Lonergan the oldest debutant in the Premier League since 2000 if he faces Southampton.
He only signed permanently within the last few days. It’s mad enough that he’s got a UEFA Super Cup medal – let alone actually making appearances.
It’s not the kind of situation that you’d usually associate with reigning European champions. Yet here we are.
It sounds like Adrian might just make it, going off Klopp’s words, but we can’t be sure. We’ll just have to cross our fingers.
Receive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox
