Liverpool v Napoli: Italian full back injury crisis helps Reds
By David Gate
Liverpool face off with Napoli in the Champions League group stage this week and an injury crisis at the full back position for the Italians will help the Reds.
This is a huge game for Liverpool in the defense of their Champions League title. If the Reds beat Napoli at Anfield on Wednesday they will win the group and top seeding for the knockout round. The Serie A side have injury problems that could make life a lot easier for Jurgen Klopp’s side.
Napoli have been struggling at full back for most of the season with French right back Kevin Malcuit ruled out for the year with a cruciate knee ligament injury.
They have decent cover at right back but injuries to both their first team left backs has stretched resources at the position to breaking point.
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Star left back Faouzi Ghoulam suffered a muscle injury a few weeks ago and is out for this week’s game. Now his back, Portuguese international Mario Rui is also a doubt.
He is carrying a thigh problem and missed the 1-1 draw with AC Milan at the weekend. He has been named in the traveling squad but is not expected to start.
That means Napoli are relying on right back Elseid Hysaj to cover on the left hand side with recent signing Giovanni Di Lorenzo starting on the right.
Those adaptions suit Liverpool to a tee. The biggest threat the Reds possess is on the wings. Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah (he should be fit) are the most feared wide pair in the world.
Add to that the threat of Andrew Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold creating havoc and Liverpool are perhaps the worst team in the world to face if you are struggling at full back.
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The game against Napoli is on Wednesday November 27th at 8pm GMT/3pm ET. We will have all the build up and info on how to stream the game online for free.