Liverpool Suffer Fresh Fitness Blow Ahead Of Man Utd Showdown

Liverpool have suffered a fresh fitness blow ahead of Thursday night’s crucial Europa League showdown against Manchester United with James Milner a big doubt for the game, according to the Liverpool Echo.

Milner has been an important member of Jurgen Klopp’s starting eleven since the German coaches arrival in October and he was once again expected to line-up in midfield for tomorrow night’s last-16 first leg with United at Anfield.

However, the Echo are one of several newspapers who claim that after reporting for training at Melwood on Wednesday morning, the 30-year-old complained of feeling unwell and was forced to sit out the entire training session.

After being assessed by the clubs medical team, it’s understood Milner was sent home with medication for a virus and is now considered as a major doubt to face the Merseysiders north-west rivals on Thursday night.

Klopp will no doubt give Milner every chance to prove his fitness and the midfielder should be assessed before kick off tomorrow evening, but it seems highly unlikely that the former Manchester City star will be passed fit if he is suffering from a virus.

Milner was in-line to start on the right side of midfield against United tomorrow so Klopp will have a decision to make over who’ll fill in if his vice-captain is ruled out.

However, the likelihood is that we’ll see Philippe Coutinho, Roberto Firmino and Adam Lallana support Daniel Sturridge in attack with Emre Can and Jordan Henderson in midfield.