NO Zlatan as Klopp handed injury boost ahead of UCL curtain raiser

Zlatan Ibrahimović has been ruled out of AC Milan’s Champions League opener against Liverpool after suffering an Achilles injury.

The 39-year-old was set to make the trip to Anfield with the rest of the squad after returning on Sunday from a 4-month spell on the sidelines, courtesy of a knee injury.

Speaking in a press conference ahead of tonight’s clash, Klopp discussed the threat posed by the Swede:

"He came on in the last game after quite a long time and scored immediately. He’s a man for exceptional moments in a gameZlatan is for sure one of the best ever players in this game. He knows that and he says that to everybody – I like that about him. That’s the confidence he brings in all the games. (Via: liverpoolecho.co.uk)"

In the press conference, Liverpool’s boss also made reference to Milan’s other options up front, as they certainly don’t end at the aforementioned.

In their opening three games this season, the Rossoneri have rotated between the pace and power of Croatian international, Ante Rebić, and the finishing prowess of, Olivier Giroud, a familiar foe of Liverpool’s.

The former Chelsea and Arsenal striker has scored 2 in as many games for the team he joined in July, as the 34-year-old seeks to prove he has something to offer on the big stage.

Other notable absences for Milan: Rade Krunić (muscle strain), Tiemoué Bakayoko (doubtful, left leg injury).

Liverpool team news

Klopp’s men will no doubt still be reeling from the traumatic injury to promising youngster, Harvey Elliot that was sustained in the passing weekend’s victory over Leeds United.

Taking his absence into account, club captain Jordan Henderson is poised to return to the starting 11, something he hasn’t been able to lay claim to since returning from his own injury qualms.

After seeing the success of both Thiago and the deeper-lying, Fabinho against Leeds at the weekend, Klopp will likely stick with these two along with the addition of Henderson, and I think he’d be wise to do so.

Liverpool’s midfield three, which is crucial to Klopp’s system as a whole, suffered from the Reds’ injury problems in other positions last season, so finding stability and allowing Thiago a sustained period to get to know his teammates can do no harm.

A potential reinforcement to Klopp’s squad is the return of the versatile, James Milner, who returned to the Liverpool bench on Sunday after a suspected muscle strain.

According to Klopp, there are no new injury problems of note for his side apart from the existing issues regarding Roberto Firmino (hamstring injury) and Takumi Minamino (thigh injury), who both miss out.

Tonight’s clash which holds fond memories for Liverpool fans will be a stern test to commence their 21/22 Champions League campaign as Milan appear to have found their feet under Stefano Pioli, and will be hoping to continue their unbeaten start to the season.

A packed-out Anfield on a European night between two giants of the continent will be a spectacle to behold whichever way the result goes.

Liverpool predicted line up (4-3-3): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Tsimikas, Fabinho, Henderson (c), Thiago, Salah, Jota, Mané
 
AC Milan predicted line up (4-2-3-1): Maignan; Calabria, Tomori, Romagnoli (c), Hernández, Tonali, Kessié, Rebić, Díaz, Leão, Giroud.

You can catch all the action on: fuboTV.com