Liverpool must turn to
unlikely heroes to overturn a 3-0 Champions League semi-final, first leg
deficit against Barcelona on Tuesday, according to defender Trent
Alexander-Arnold after Mohamed Salah was ruled out with concussion.
Roberto Firmino will
also be absent against the Spanish champions at Anfield, leaving Jurgen Klopp
without two of his most potent attacking weapons for what is already a massive
challenge.
"Obviously we've
got two of our main goalscorers out, but it also presents an opportunity for
some of the other lads to come in, make a name for themselves and make
themselves heroes," said Alexander-Arnold.
"If we do overturn
the deficit tomorrow then whoever scores, their name will always be remembered
because I am sure it will be one of those really special nights."
Salah was stretchered
off during Liverpool's tense 3-2 win at Newcastle on Saturday that kept alive
their chances of a first Premier League title in 29 years after colliding with
Magpies' goalkeeper Martin Dubravka.
"It's a concussion
so that means he would not even be allowed to play," Klopp said on Monday.
"He feels OK but
it is not good enough from a medical point of view that is all. He's desperate
(to play) but we cannot do it."
Klopp, speaking before
Manchester City ensured they remain in the driving seat for the Premier League
title by beating Leicester 1-0 on Monday, was realistic about his side's
chances of progressing to a second consecutive Champions League final.
But the German refused
to give up hope.
"Together with our
supporters it was a long season and there is at least a little chance to make
it even longer," Klopp added.
"Two of the
world's best strikers are not available tomorrow night and we have to score
four goals against Barcelona to go through after 90 minutes.
"It doesn't make
life easier, but as long as we have 11 players on the pitch, we will try
it."
- Anfield an extra man
-
Luis Suarez scored the
opening goal against his former club in last week's first leg at the Camp Nou,
but ahead of his return to Anfield, the Uruguayan warned his current teammates
of the lift playing on home soil will give Liverpool.
"To play at
Anfield is like playing with an extra man for what the fans transmit to the
Liverpool players," said Suarez.
And Barcelona coach
Ernesto Valverde believes attack will be the best form of defence as if the
Catalans get an away goal, Liverpool will need to score five.
"What we have to
do is score," said Valverde.
Suarez will be joined
by Lionel Messi and Philippe Coutinho on his return to Anfield after a £142
million ($186.5 million) move to Barca from Liverpool last year.
But the often-injured
Ousmane Dembele is absent for the visitors due to a hamstring problem and
Valverde believes the Frenchman's absence will be felt just as much as Salah
and Firmino.
"We don't want any
player to be injured. It would have been extraordinary to see them all on the
field. They are all important," he said.
"Dembele's absence
is a problem. Against a team that concedes space (in behind) it is always
important to have player like Ousmane."
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