Liverpool may need an injuries and bans table all to themselves as their list of casualties continues to grow by the day. Glen Johnson is the latest victim. He has withdrawn from the England squad for their friendly with Brazil after aggravating a knock sustained against Birmingham in training with Capello’s men. The injury is described as minor, so his fantasy owners needn’t be too concerned. Even so, it will need monitoring as we approach gameweek 13.
Meanwhile, Dan Agger has also dropped out of the Danish squad for the fixtures with South Korea and the United States. Unlike Johnson however, there are fears that Agger could be out for another prolonged spell. The defender apparently reported a twinge in his back after Monday’s game – a problem area that has already kept him sidelined this season. Agger will stay at the club to receive treatment and they’ve played down the extent of the problem, indicating that they expect him to make the City game after the international break…
Earlier this week it was confirmed that Yossi Benayoun and Albert Riera face spells out with hamstring injuries sustained against Birmingham. Benayoun will be the major loss here – not only to Liverpool but also to his many fantasy owners. Benayoun has been transferred in by over 100,000 managers in the Fantasy Premier League game in just the last two gameweeks. According to reports, he and Riera now face at least a month out. That spell will coincide with the three week rehabilitation for Fernando Torres, announced by Rafa on Monday. So Liverpool look set to face City without Torres, Benayoun and Riera.
This could see Kuyt lead the attack with Gerrard, hopefully fit after his substitute appearance on Monday, in support. Ngog is an option of course – I’m certain that the defenders and tough tackling midfielder’s union will be hoping he gets some more pitch time after his antics on Monday. Interestingly, given the lack of options on the left of midfield following the Rierra/Benayoun injuries, Aurelio could now pin down a starting role in that position. Having gambled on him in the Scout Picks in recent weeks – he could actually turn out to be a decent short-term investment in the coming gameweeks.
Aurelio has to survive international duty first though. He joins Lucas in the Brazil squad to face England, whilst Kuyt and Mascherano are also amongst those on duty this week. Given their current run of luck with injuries, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see one or more of them to return to Anfield with a knock.