Jurgen Klopp has given an update on the injury status of Liverpool midfielder James Milner.
The 36-year-old had to be taken off 38 minutes into last night’s defeat to Manchester City. But speaking to LFCTV after the game, Klopp sounded hopeful that Milner won’t be missing for too long.
“Milly [Milner] is convinced it’s only a little, little, little thing but he felt something and just wanted to make sure it’s not getting worse – if it’s a hamstring we have to see, but otherwise should be fine,” he explained.
When you’ve been playing for as long as Liverpool’s No.7 has, you probably get a good feeling for these things. Fingers crossed he’s fine.
Back to reality for Liverpool fans
Welcome back Liverpool. After six weeks off and plenty of World Cup action to enjoy, it has been easy to glaze over the goings on at Anfield.
The news that Roberto Firmino had picked up a calf injury before the game last night was a good way of bringing fans back down to earth, though.
Yes, Liverpool have injury problems. Now we remember.
And last night, those injury problems got even worse. There has as of yet been no further update on Firmino’s problem. But given that the Reds are currently missing Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota too, it really has to be good news.
Milner’s niggle is less of a concern. With Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain back fit, he should be needed less in the midfield. Calvin Ramsay was on the bench last night and Trent Alexander-Arnold will be back for Monday, so right-back is covered too.
Now out of the Carabao Cup, that’s one less competition for Liverpool’s stretched squad to deal with this season. As a result, they can probably get by without Milner for now.
But still, the £120k-a-week man always comes in handy. As Takumi Minamino recently pointed out, his presence around the squad helps to lift standards and Liverpool will always miss that if he’s out.
He has now started the Reds last two games against City, too. It can’t be denied that he still has a big part to play this season. So, along with Bobby, let’s hope Milner is right and he’s back in no time at all.
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