Liverpool will be without several key players when they travel to Paris Saint-Germain for their crucial Champions League round-of-16 match on Wednesday night. Despite having a free weekend without any fixtures, the club’s injury concerns have continued to mount, further complicating their preparations for the clash.
At least four first-team players will be unavailable for selection due to injuries and suspension. Joe Gomez and Tyler Morton remain sidelined for an extended period following surgeries for their respective hamstring and shoulder injuries. Their recoveries are ongoing, and neither player is expected to return to action anytime soon. Additionally, Conor Bradley has also joined the list of absentees, having sustained a hamstring injury during Liverpool’s match against Aston Villa last month. The young right-back is set to be out for several weeks, further depleting the squad’s defensive options.
Furthermore, Liverpool will have to do without Amara Nallo, who is unavailable for the crucial encounter against PSG due to suspension. The young defender received a red card on his debut against PSV Eindhoven in January, resulting in a mandatory suspension. However, given his limited involvement in the first-team squad, his absence is unlikely to significantly impact Arne Slot’s lineup decisions for the match.
In addition to these confirmed absentees, Liverpool must also be cautious regarding disciplinary issues that could affect their squad for the return leg at Anfield. Four players are currently at risk of suspension should they receive another booking in the match against PSG. Ibrahima Konaté, Andy Robertson, and Harvey Elliott have each accumulated two yellow cards in the Champions League this season. If any of them receive another caution during the first leg, they will be ruled out of the return fixture at Anfield.
Meanwhile, Alexis Mac Allister is also in danger of missing the second leg, as he has already served a suspension earlier in the tournament. The Argentine midfielder has received four yellow cards in the competition, and according to UEFA regulations, players are handed a one-match ban after accumulating three bookings that do not result in a direct red card. Additionally, they face further suspensions for every subsequent odd-numbered booking thereafter, meaning Mac Allister could be forced to sit out if he picks up another yellow card in Paris.
With these squad limitations in mind, Arne Slot and his coaching staff will have to carefully navigate their lineup choices for the crucial match against PSG. The absence of several key players, combined with the risk of further suspensions, presents a significant challenge for Liverpool as they aim to progress in the Champions League.
