Liverpool’s striker situation has gone from worse to worserestiest with news that Christian Benteke strained knee ligaments during the 1-1 draw with Southampton at the weekend and will play no part in the League Cup clash with AFC Bournemouth later today.
The Belgian, who only just returned to action after a month out with a knee injury, scored what appeared to be the winner with a towering header after replacing compatriot Divock Origi at the half-time break, but Saido Mane pulled one back with only minutes left to play as the Saint’s shared the spoils at Anfield. While the 24-year old was likely to have a reduced role against the Cherries either way, he’s now a major doubt for trip to Chelsea on Saturday as well.
While he’s not expected to be out for an extended spell, this is still terrible news for Reds boss Jurgen Klopp who has already lost Danny Ings for the season with an ACL injury and has been without Daniel Sturridge, who has yet to return to training after colliding with Jordon Ibe in training prior to the meeting with Tottenham Hotspur, since taking over for Brendan Rodgers.
“There is nothing really new in this part,” said the German in his pre-match interview. “Daniel is not available for tomorrow. He is getting better but not quick enough that it changes the situation for us. He is not in training,” he continued. “I saw him five minutes ago working with Chris [Morgan] in the gym, but it was not normal football training, so we have to wait.”
