Liverpool’s Milner Faces Spell out with Hamstring Injury, Keita Bruised

Liverpool midfielder James Milner. (Getty Images)
Liverpool midfielder James Milner. (Getty Images)
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Liverpool’s Milner Faces Spell out with Hamstring Injury, Keita Bruised

Liverpool midfielder James Milner. (Getty Images)
Liverpool midfielder James Milner. (Getty Images)

Liverpool midfielder James Milner will be out until next month’s international break after picking up a hamstring injury in last weekend’s 5-0 victory at Manchester United, assistant manager Pepijn Lijnders said on Tuesday.

Speaking ahead of Wednesday’s League Cup tie against Preston North End, Lijnders added that midfielder Naby Keita had avoided a serious injury after a poor tackle by United’s Paul Pogba that resulted in a red card for the Frenchman.

Both Milner and Keita were substituted in the game at Old Trafford.

“Millie felt his hamstring getting tight. Looks like he’s out until the international break,” Lijnders told reporters.

“Naby, I think we should speak about the Video Assistant Referee. It’s a major advantage to protect players.

“We sometimes discuss and whine about ref and VAR, but that’s why it’s there... to protect players. Luckily Naby’s foot was not on the ground and it was just a bruise.”

Lijnders said midfielder Thiago Alcantara was closing in on a return following a calf injury, while Fabinho had also shaken off a knee issue that ruled him out of the United game.

Liverpool host Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League on Saturday after the midweek Cup clash.

“Brighton will be close for Thiago, but probably not. He’s almost back. Fabinho isn’t ruled out for Saturday,” Lijnders added.



Renard Confirms Saudi National Team's Readiness for the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup

The Saudi team is set to face Bahrain on Sunday - SPA
The Saudi team is set to face Bahrain on Sunday - SPA
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Renard Confirms Saudi National Team's Readiness for the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup

The Saudi team is set to face Bahrain on Sunday - SPA
The Saudi team is set to face Bahrain on Sunday - SPA

French coach Hervé Renard has confirmed the Saudi national football team's readiness to compete in the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup in Kuwait, from 21 December 2024 to 3 January 2025, and stressed that the team aims to achieve great results, rather than merely gain experience.
Renard also said the tournament is a valuable opportunity to enhance the players' technical and physical capabilities, SPA reported.
Speaking at a press conference, Renard said: "We are here to participate effectively and win. This tournament provides a great platform to work with the players and prepare them for future competitions."
Regarding the team's condition, Renard said that player Hassan Tambakti is ready for action, while Salem Al-Dawsari is "working on regaining full fitness".

He commended Al-Dawsari for his dedication to speeding up his recovery. Meanwhile, Firas Al-Brikan is dealing with an injury, and his availability will depend on further evaluations, said Renard.
Acknowledging the challenges ahead, Renard said: "I accepted this challenge because I believe in the players' capabilities. We must work with team spirit and focus on improvement in the coming period."
As far as the team's opening match against Bahrain is concerned, Renard said: "We are preparing for a tough game. The preparation period was crucial, and our focus now is on delivering a strong performance."
The Saudi team is set to face Bahrain on Sunday in what promises to be an exciting start to their Gulf Cup matches. Both teams are eager to make a strong impression in their opening match.