Liverpool seek ‘impossible’ mission against Barca …without Salah, Firmino
Liverpool must produce a memorable Anfield evening to turn round a 3-0 first-leg loss at Barcelona, who are seeking a first final since 2015.
Barcelona hold a sizeable advantage as they travel to Anfield looking for a first two-legged victory against Liverpool, which would earn a first UEFA Champions League final appearance since 2015.
Former Liverpool striker Luis Suárez gave Barcelona a first-half lead in the first leg at the Camp Nou, before Lionel Messi struck twice in the final 15 minutes, his first goals against Liverpool, to create a cushion to take to Merseyside.
Barcelona have reason to be wary, however, having bowed out of last season’s competition despite a first-leg victory by a three-goal margin.
Barcelona are in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals for the first time since winning their fifth European title four seasons ago, although they have won only two of their last five contests at this stage. Liverpool, meanwhile, have reached successive semi-finals but have it all to do against a team who have won their last two games at Anfield.
This is the teams’ tenth fixture, six of the previous nine having come in a six-year period between 2001 and 2007. Each side has now recorded three wins with Barcelona scoring nine goals to Liverpool’s six – although the English club have won all three two-legged contests on aggregate.
Liverpool forwards Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino will miss tonite’s clash through injury.
Salah left the pitch on a stretcher after an aerial collision with Newcastle keeper Martin Dubravka during Saturday’s 3-2 win.
Manager Jurgen Klopp says concussion will keep Salah out, as Liverpool look to overhaul a 3-0 deficit at Anfield.
Firmino missed the win over Newcastle with a muscle injury.
“Two of the world’s best strikers are not available this evening and we have to score four goals,” said Klopp.
“It doesn’t make life easier but we will try for 90 minutes to celebrate the Champions League campaign to give it a proper finish.
“That’s the plan. If we can do it, wonderful. If we can’t do it, let’s fail in the most beautiful way.”
Salah appeared to be in tears when he was carried from the pitch at St James’ Park but Klopp says the Egypt international now feels “OK”.
“It’s not good enough from a medical point of view,” Klopp added. “He is desperate to play but we cannot do it.
“It’s a concussion. That means he would not even be allowed to play.”
Klopp is confident Salah will be able to play in Liverpool’s final Premier League game of the season against Wolves at Anfield on Sunday, where the Reds could win the title for the first time since 1990.
Firmino was introduced as a substitute on 79 minutes in the away leg at Barcelona, shortly after Lionel Messi had extended the advantage to 2-0.
The Brazilian – who was left out of the win over Huddersfield prior to the Barca trip – then did not feature against Newcastle.
Firmino has 16 goals for the Reds this season, with Salah contributing 26.
Klopp also lost midfielder Naby Keita to injury against Newcastle, the club’s fourth game in 14 days.
“We have to make a lot of decisions. Tonite’s game is the third game in six days,” Klopp added.
“Barcelona changed 11 positions at the weekend. We will see what the outcome is.”
–BBC
