Liverpool hit with defensive crisis ahead of Bayern clash
By Chris Martin
2019 has seen an influx of illness and injury hit Liverpool and it’s not about to ease off ahead of their Champions League last 16 clash.
The Reds have seen key players such as Virgil van Dijk and Gini Wijnaldum struck down with illness in recent weeks, while more serious injuries have been piling up in midfield and defense.
The news of a setback in recovery for Joe Gomez has been a hammer blow to Liverpool’s defense, compounded further by the knock picked up by Trent Alexander-Arnold last month.
Despite having a nice 10 day break ahead of the crucial European fixture against Bayern Munich at Anfield, the bad news just keeps on coming.
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The official website announced this morning that center-back Dejan Lovren has not travelled to the Red’s Marbella training camp as expected.
The Croatian has been sidelined with a hamstring strain picked up in early January at the start of the FA Cup fixture against Wolverhampton Wanderers, but was expected to be fit to face Munich.
The news comes as a real blow to Liverpool, with Joel Matip now potentially the only fit first team center-back available for the clash.
With van Dijk serving a one match suspension and Gomez not close to recovery, Jurgen Klopp may now be forced into a defensive pairing of Matip and Fabinho.
Although Fabinho acquitted himself well in the position during a recent trip to Premier League outfit Brighton & Hove Albion, the challenge of replicating this against European heavyweights is a tall order.
Perhaps more importantly though, it also means his valuable presence will be missed in the midfield. There have been plenty of signs that the Brazilian is turning into an elite midfielder and Klopp will likely be at pains to lose him from that role.
Lovren is undoubtedly a player that divides opinion with Liverpool supporters. He believes he is one of the best in the world, while some “fans” think he is a joke. The truth probably lies somewhere in the middle.
One thing is for sure, even Lovren’s biggest critics should be hoping he can pull through and make an appearance next Tuesday night. He is somebody that can get up for the big stage and battle through if needed.
Next. The curious case of Taiwo Awoniyi and his two-stage season. dark
Fingers crossed the medical staff can patch him up and get him out on the pitch.