Uh oh.
via ESPN:
Liverpool's problems worsened after 29 minutes when Torres went off, replaced by David Ngog. The Spanish international had never rally recovered from that early bodycheck from Mills and headed straight down the tunnel with Liverpool doctor, Mark Waller, for treatment seemingly to a knee injury.
Liverpool's troubles worsened when Gerrard failed to appear after the break, Ryan Babel coming on to join Ngog up front. The Liverpool skipper was believed to have suffered a hamstring strain.
And in a two-match week, no less.
Hmm... but does it mean that Aquilani gets to take kicks? Or that N'Gog is a good enabler at forward?
Update via Liverpool's Official site:
Rafael Benitez faces an anxious wait on the fitness of duo Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard who will both have scans on injuries picked up during the FA Cup defeat to Reading .Later update from ESPNSoccernet:
"Both players will have a scan tomorrow (Thursday) and we have to wait for the doctor," Benitez told his post-match press conference.
"Gerrard has a problem with his hamstring and Torres twisted his knee.
"Yossi Benayoun also has some problems with his ribs so again we will have to wait."
Liverpool's hopes of salvaging a fourth-place finish from what has become a truly dismal season have been undermined by the news that striker Fernando Torres will be sidelined for six weeks, while captain Steven Gerrard is out for a fortnight and midfielder Yossi Benayoun misses up to four weeks.
It looked as though both substitutions were precautionary. My guess is they'll be fit to play on Saturday.
ReplyDeleteHaving said that, should we stop picking Liverpool players on the assumption that they're good?
I'm one mighty p*ssed off Liverpool fan tonight :(
We should start something here...don't bet on or against Liverpool, just when you think they're problems are gone...something happens. I'm not a Liverpool fan but come on, what kind of medical staff do they have and who's decision is it to play players that are not 100% fit.
ReplyDelete(Honduran-Saul)
My guess is that Gerrard is fit and Rafa decided to not to risk losing both of his star players in one game, especially after Liverpool took the lead just before half-time. That said, if he is going to be out for one or both games, I imagine Aurelio would play on the left and take kicks, so Aquilani would not be worth the gamble. N'Gog could be a good enabler striker, though. I am wondering how/if Rafa will use Maxi Rodriguez over the next couple games, though. His arrival could see him playing wide on the right and Kuyt pushing up top, which would leave N'Gog on the bench.
ReplyDeleteEven as a Liverpool fan, I think I'm more likely to choose players from Arsenal, United and potentially a player or two from Spurs and Bolton. MTay, Bale and Kranj seem like good options. Still undecided on whether I want both Rooney and Valencia in my team. Also need to decide on a keeper now that Kusz's spot is in jeopardy. Looks like another week full of selection headaches for me. Good luck all.
Saul - well when you're a two man team you don't have lot of choice! :) seriously tho, I only saw the 2nd half and extra time but liverpool were awful. Ngog is absolutely woeful. Reading cut them apart at times. READING.
ReplyDeleteJoshtottenham
Hmm, maybe I was wrong. From Liverpool's website:
ReplyDelete"Both players will have a scan tomorrow (Thursday) and we have to wait for the doctor," Benitez told his post-match press conference.
"Gerrard has a problem with his hamstring and Torres twisted his knee. Yossi Benayoun also has some problems with his ribs so again we will have to wait."
Fun times. No clue who will play over the next couple games.
Gavin, I believe Rodriguez is still awaiting international clearance so maybe he'll get in the Y! system before he gets on the pitch for Liverpool.
ReplyDeleteMaybe not though.
Yea, I don't have high expectations of Yahoo. If they do get it sorted out, he will most likely go into my team if he's listed under 7.
ReplyDeleteOn another note, Gael Clichy may be back in contention soon. Hoping it will be after the double week as I want to keep Traore in my team. Not looking good though, as Wenger said "Clichy is available. He might be in the squad on Sunday."
Thoughts?
rafa had to play gerrard and torres, he is down to two chances for trophies, the europa league and FA cup. he is trying his best to save his job and it might have bit him on the face. if kuyt where under 10 i would consider him, there is crouch, klasnic, fagan and owen all under 10 with double games!
ReplyDeleteNo chance Owen plays both matches. Fergie's going to start using Diouf now that he's available. No way would I take a chance on Fagan either. He's terrible. Crouch and Klasnic are good value though.
ReplyDeleteCrouch or Eds? anyone? =(
ReplyDeletekuyt at 11-something is a pretty reasonable price, i think. especially if the torres injury and maxi signing push him up top. (no more ngog, please... ugh. the only thing he enables is more liverpool losses.)
ReplyDeleteI'm thinking now.. VDS/Aquilani or Almunia/Ramsey?
ReplyDeleteMy team looks like this at the moment.
VDS/Almunia
Verm Bale Evans Evra
Valencia Rosicky Aquilani/Ramsey
Rooney Tevez Sturridge
Should I take a gamble on Owen/Donovan in place of Sturridge? This is hard.. :(
merv
ReplyDeletevds may not play both or either games and almunia/ramsey might be a good combo because denilson is very unlikely to play. i read on goal.com that wenger doesn't want to risk him. there will be tests friday and he will determine then.
I had a dream last night that Almunia scored an own goal.
ReplyDeleteholy crap, it's been a depressing season for pool fans. can it get worse?
ReplyDelete