Image Credits: Imago Images
Liverpool travel to the south of France this evening for a make-or-break Champions League encounter against Marseille at the Stade Velodrome, with automatic qualification to the last 16 at stake.
Kick-off is scheduled for 20:00 GMT, with the Reds currently sitting ninth in the Champions League league phase standings on 12 points from six matches. With just two matchdays remaining, Arne Slot’s side are desperate for victory to edge closer to a top-eight finish and avoid a potentially hazardous two-legged knockout playoff.
The potential catalyst for Liverpool’s revival could be Mohamed Salah, who has returned to training and travelled with the squad to France after leading Egypt to fourth place at the Africa Cup of Nations. Manager Arne Slot has strongly hinted the 33-year-old will start, telling reporters: “Let’s see for the lineup tomorrow if you still think there’s an issue. I spoke to him today and I’m happy to have him back”.
Salah enjoyed a productive tournament in Morocco, scoring four goals and providing an assist in six matches before Egypt’s penalty shootout defeat to Nigeria in the third-place playoff.
However, Slot will remain without record signing Alexander Isak, who underwent surgery on a fractured fibula sustained against Tottenham in late December, with a possible return targeted for late March. Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni also remain unavailable.
Meanwhile, Marseille has suffered a blow of their own today, confirming that former Chelsea full-back Emerson Palmeri has suffered an injury in training and is ruled out of the clash this evening. A statement from the French outfit read:
“Olympique de Marseille announces that Emerson Palmieri was injured during the last training session.”
“Medical examinations revealed a lesion to his left thigh. The length of his unavailability will be assessed based on clinical developments and will be monitored daily by the club’s medical staff.”
“Olympique de Marseille offers its full support to Emerson and will do everything possible to ensure his return to competition in the best possible conditions.”
Palmieri has made 18 appearances for Marseille this season and has been taking set pieces for De Zerbi’s side.
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