Team News: Caoimhin Kelleher absent for Liverpool ahead of Benfica clash
According to Liverpool Echo, Liverpool number two Caoimhin Kelleher is absent from the travelling squad for the Reds’ champions league quarter-final clash against Benfica despite Jurgen Klopp claiming that he had the full squad available.
Klopp’s side take on Benfica as they look to book their place in the semi-finals of the Champions League by beating the high-flying Portuguese team. The Eagles currently sit third in Liga NOS, trailing league-leaders FC Porto by 15 points after 28 games.
The traveling squad reached Portugal but there seemed to be one notable absentee from the party. 23-year-old Irish goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher who has been a revelation in cup competitions this season was not to be seen, with Spaniard Adrian a part of the travelling party.
This contradicts the fact that Jurgen Klopp whilst speaking ahead of the match said that he had the full squad available at his disposal. Players like Trent Alexander-Arnold, Naby Keita have all returned from injuries to give Liverpool a timely boost.
Doesn’t affect Klopp much?
Despite all of Kelleher’s brilliance this season, he was not expected to start tonight’s clash and hence this absence might not affect Klopp’s plans initially. Alisson remains our number 1 goalie and has shown week in, week out that he is deserving of that title.
Since the German manager revealed that there were no absentees, it remains to be seen if Kelleher has suffered a late injury or missed the game due to some other issue. Then again, this could be just a way to give him some rest ahead of this month’s fixtures.
As such, Alisson Becker is expected to start between the sticks and Klopp will be hoping the Brazilian keeper will be able to get through the game unscathed. The Brazilian superstar leads the Golden Glove race alongside Ederson Moraes in the PL with 17 clean sheets this season.
The Liverpool number one has also been having a great season at Anfield and will be hoping to replicate his excellent form tonight against the Portuguese club.
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As of now, Klopp does not have any problems with the Irishman missing out but if something were to happen to Alisson, Kelleher’s absence could haunt Liverpool. Alisson started both of our games against Inter Milan in the last stage and was a commanding presence throughout the 180 minutes, helping us hold on to our 2-goal lead from the first leg.
