Rival injuries hand Liverpool a title boost ahead of key fixture

Liverpool have had plenty of their own injury concerns in recent weeks. The physios have been working overtime, with a growing list of players picking up knocks and recovery setbacks.

Indeed, the Reds face a potential crisis of their own in defense for next Tuesday’s Champions League clash against Bayern Munch, with only one first team center-back able to play.

It’s not all doom and gloom for Jurgen Klopp’s side though.

Liverpool were handed a boost to their Premier League title hopes with upcoming opponents, Manchester United, seeing two key players pull up with injuries against Paris St Germain.

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Both Jesse Lingard and Anthony Martial needed to be replaced during the 0-2 defeat to the French club. The former could not complete the first half, limping off with a suspected muscle strain, while Martial soldiered on but did not appear for the second half.

Nobody wishes injury on a player, no matter who they play for, or what the circumstance. However, the players’ misfortune may just come at the right time for Liverpool.

With less than two weeks till the Reds do battle with Man Utd at Old Trafford, the pair certainly now seem up against it to be fit in time. Certainly, fully fit is a stretch if they are indeed muscle tissue injuries.

While his opponents fret over potential injuries and selection headaches, Klopp will be hoping to spring out of another training camp with several midfielders returning to fitness.

It’s still far too early to consider Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in the running for game time, but the likes of Jordan Henderson, Gini Wijnaldum, James Milner, and Fabinho should all be raring to go having missed games and/or training in recent days.

Before attentions are turned to the Man Utd game however; the Reds have to navigate a tough European fixture against Bayern. Should the Anfield crowd inspire them to another stellar performance, alarm bells could be ringing in Manchester.

The disappointing performance by Man Utd, coupled with fresh injury concerns could come at the perfect time for Liverpool. If they sense weakness they will not need to be asked twice to chalk off another three points and inch closer to the finish line.

A victory at Old Trafford would leave Klopp’s men requiring 10 wins and a draw to clinch the title. It’s a tough ask, but if it doesn’t get you excited, you’re probably following the wrong sport.