Explanations for the absences of Liverpool pair Georginio Wijnaldum and Jordan Henderson for the Reds’ clash with West Ham United have been provided online this evening.
West Ham vs Liverpool
Jurgen Klopp’s Premier League table-toppers are currently locked in action with struggling West Ham at the London Stadium.
The Hammers had fallen to a trio of consecutive defeats over the last couple of weeks, including an embarrassing 4-2 FA Cup exit at the hands of League One basement-dwellers AFC Wimbledon, and a thoroughly deserved 3-0 loss to Wolves.
Liverpool, meanwhile, headed into proceedings hoping to reestablish their 5-point lead over Manchester City atop the English top-flight table, following the Citizens’ 3-1 victory over Arsenal yesterday evening.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 03: Sergio Aguero of Manchester City celebrates after scoring his team’s first goal during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Arsenal FC at Etihad Stadium on February 3, 2019 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
Liverpool’s missing midfielders
However, over the hour ahead of kick-off tonight, the main talking point with regards to the Merseysiders concerned Jurgen Klopp’s lack of midfield options in London, after both Jordan Henderson and Georginio Wijnaldum were omitted from Liverpool’s matchday squad:
West Ham v Liverpool is LIVE now on #OptusSport.
Here’s how the two teams line up at the London Stadium. pic.twitter.com/25cBQSNsIz
— Optus Sport (@OptusSport) February 4, 2019
The absence of the midfield duo saw Adam Lallana drafted in for a rare start, alongside Naby Keita and Fabinho in the Reds’ engine room.
And the reliable James Pearce of the Liverpool Echo has since provided an explanation for Henderson and Wijnaldum missing out tonight, as showcased below:
Henderson has a muscle problem, Wijnaldum has a sore knee. A double blow for #LFC
— James Pearce (@JamesPearceEcho) February 4, 2019
Yes. Aggravated during the draw with Leicester. #LFC https://t.co/eCacJm1AU5
— Ben Dinnery (@BenDinnery) February 4, 2019
Napoli reject 70 million Euro Liverpool offer for Lorenzo Insigne – La Reppublica
Bayern appeal rejected – Thomas Muller to miss both legs of CL tie with Liverpool
0 Comments