Christian Benteke returns in time for Liverpool’s clash with Villarreal tonight. Mamadou Sakho opts against appealing his failed UEFA drugs test, Stoke are sweating on Shay Given’s fitness, whilst Fabricio Coloccini faces a race against time to feature for Newcastle again this season.
Benteke fit for Villarreal clash
In yesterday’s press conference, Jurgen Klopp confirmed that Christian Benteke is available to face Villarreal following his recovery from a knee injury:
“It is the best news that Christian is back. He has not had too many sessions but we watched him in training – although now is not the moment to think if he is in the best shape. After injury that is not too easy, but he is in really good shape that is for sure. For us it is perfect that he is back and we have only players here in Villarreal who are only ready for being part tomorrow, there are no tourists. If we need him, we can use him. That’s good.”
The Scout Says: With Divock Origi sidelined due to an ankle problem, Klopp surprisingly fielded both Daniel Sturridge and Roberto Firmino up front together against Newcastle last Saturday. Given that the Merseysiders now face two clashes with Villarreal and a trip to Swansea in the next week, though, the German could look to manage Sturridge or Firmino’s minutes to lessen the likelihood of injury, particularly to the former. Although Klopp’s recent team sheet against Bournemouth suggests he’s willing to ring the changes ahead of Europa League fixtures, Benteke hasn’t started a league match since Gameweek 20 and it remains to be seen whether he’ll be afforded a role in the XI. Given that Sturridge has five goals and two assists in his last six, his 20,000+ new owners will be hoping he retains his starting berth for the weekend trip to the Liberty.
Sakho won’t contest failed drugs test
Mamadou Sakho could be set to face a lengthy ban after rejecting the opportunity to appeal his failed drugs test. The Press Association have reported that the Liverpool defender decided against asking for a second sample to be analysed after his initial test revealed traces of a fat-burning substance.
The Scout Says: The Reds have ensured that the French defender remains unavailable for selection as they await UEFA’s verdict. There’s a fear, though, that Sakho could be banned for up to six months in a similar situation to Kolo Toure’s suspension for taking “water tablets” whilst at Man City back in 2011. Such a scenario would force Jurgen Klopp to reassess his first-choice defence for the upcoming campaign, with the incoming Joel Matip perhaps afforded a chance to partner Dejan Lovren in 2016/17. For now, though, Klopp may feel a little reluctant to rotate Lovren for the run-in, ensuring he has at least one of his first-choice centre-backs on board ahead of the Europa League clashes with Villarreal and domestic schedule that hands Liverpool four fixtures (swa, WAT, CHE, wba) in the final three Gameweeks.
Given injury worse than first feared
According to reports, the groin strain Shay Given sustained against Manchester City could sideline him for the remainder of the campaign.
The Scout Says: In the possible absence of the Irish keeper, Jakob Haugaard (4.4) is poised to earn a run of starts between the sticks. Although the Dane occupies the budget bracket and Stoke enjoy a relatively agreeable final three fixtures (SUN, cry, WHU), no managers will feel inclined to back a defence that have shipped a whopping 12 goals in three outings. If anything, the fact that the Potters are forced to field an experienced shot-stopper promotes investment in the likes of Jermain Defoe (three goals in six) and Fabio Borini (one goal and assist in two), who embark on a trip to the Britannia Stadium this weekend and are looking to build momentum ahead of Sunderland’s double Gameweek 37.
Benitez uncertain on Coloccini return
Rafa Benitez conceded that Fabricio Coloccini is unlikely to feature for Newcastle United this season:
“I hope so but the setback was what I was suspecting. I am not very optimistic at the moment.”
The Scout Says: With Coloccini all but ruled out for the Magpies’ run-in, the 4.2-priced Jamaal Lascelles – who produced a 14-point haul at home to Swansea in double Gameweek 34 – should retain his starting slot in the heart of defence. Certainly, those holding Newcastle assets will be buoyed by a schedule that sees them next face off against a Crystal Palace unit with a single goal in three before travelling to an Aston Villa outfit that posted five blanks in their previous seven fixtures. A lack of a double Gameweek 37, though, should ensure that non-owners steer clear in spite of their recent renaissance under Benitez.
