It’s bad news for Liverpool fans ahead of the Reds’ first Champions League home game since May’s dismantling of Messi’s Barcelona. Jürgen Klopp’s side will be without Joel Matip and Xherdan Shaqiri for the crucial tie with Red Bull Salzburg. The Matip injury will worry Kopites, he has established himself as undroppable in the Liverpool side and could be sorely missed tonight. Shaqiri may not be a regular starter for Klopp but he has solid Champions League experience and could have provided a much needed rest for one of the Reds’ front 3, with the side set to face Leicester City just 3 days after the European tie.
Jürgen Klopp broke the devastating news at his pre-match press conference which was broadcast live on the Liverpool FC official site. When asked about the fitness of Joel Matip and Xherdan Shaqiri he responded saying “both not available for tomorrow night.”
Kopites will take consolation in the fact that the Matip injury doesn’t seem to be too serious, Klopp told the media “with Joel it’s not a big one but it’s big enough that he’s not available tomorrow night”. Thankfully, it looks as though he could be in contention for Liverpool’s tough visit from Brendan Rodgers’ Leicester City.
Joe Gomez is certain to step into Matip’s shoes for the occasion. The England international was first choice until a leg break cut his 18/19 season short. A strong showing against Red Bull Salzburg could help Gomez stake a claim for his return to the starting lineup.
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