Liverpool lost their first game back in action after the Qatar World Cup. They lost at the hands of Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City. The loss saw them crash out of the Carabao Cup, ensuring they failed to retain the domestic title they won last season.
Liverpool go-to midfielder James Milner has played 19 times for Liverpool this season despite being the oldest member of Klopp’s team. He assisted the first Liverpool goals against Manchester City while playing right back. However, 38 minutes into Liverpool’s thrilling Carabao Cup match against Manchester City, Milner hobbled off with what appeared to be a hamstring injury. This injury has sidelined him for at least two weeks. Unfortunately, this injury news comes at the wrong time for Liverpool.
This news was a massive dampener in addition to the loss to Pep Guardiola’s side. Klopp gave an update regarding Milner’s injury: “He felt something.” We will see, but we still hope there is no serious injury. After 30 years in the business, he claimed to have sensed something, but we’ll have to wait and see.”
A tough stretch of games is coming up, so Klopp hopes his injury is not too severe. Milner is one of Klopp’s favourite players in the squad, and having him around adds confidence and ensures the translation of the boss’s ideas from the dressing room onto the pitch. Time will tell how badly injured Milner is and whether he will be back in time for the Premier League games, which resume on Boxing Day.
Liverpool takes on Aston Villa on 26th December in what promises to be a thrilling game but also a must-win for the Reds.