Liverpool’s ongoing injury problems may have eased somewhat with the likes of Daniel Sturridge, Divock Origi and Philippe Coutinho back on the pitch, but ahead of the Europa League Round of 32 clash with FC Augsburg tomorrow, Reds boss Jurgen Klopp confirmed that they’ll be without a few familiar faces for the trip to Bavaria.
“We lost Kevin Stewart in training. He blocked a shot and his ankle was not stable,” said the German in the build-up to the meeting with the Bundesliga side. “It was a bit bruised so we have sent him for a scan. We think it’s the ligament. He trained outstandingly and then this happened. That’s not too good,” he continued, before switching gears to provide an update on both Lucas, who has been missing with a hamstring injury, and Adam Lallana, who has struggled with a calf problem as of late. “Lucas is back fit but not Adam,” explained Klopp, ruling the former Southampton man out. “He has no chance for Thursday’s game.”
Elimination from the FA Cup at the hands of West Ham United in last weeks replay at Upton Park means that Liverpool’s fixture congestion has eased somewhat with nothing on the cards between the two legs of the knock-out round showdown with Markus Weinzierl’s side, but losing two players who have been in good form can complicate matters for the Reds.
With that being said, having Lucas back in the ranks will be a major boon to Klopp’s cause. With the League Cup final with Manchester City falling on the weekend following the return leg at Anfield, the charismatic German manager will be looking to keep his players fresh as he tries to secure his first trophy since taking over at the Merseyside giants back in October.
