Injuries Galore!
Told you so. In last week’s Reds Roundup SFTB predicted that somehow Daniel Sturridge would be the player that picks up an injury during the international break. Not even 48 hours after implying his return to the field via Instagram, Sturridge picks up another injury that will keep him out for the rest of the year. Brandon Rodgers must be livid at this point, especially after the striker recently signed a long-term deal to stay with the Reds. Balotelli was also sent home from his Italian training camp a bit early, but the most recent news is that his hamstring injury should not hold him out of this week’s clash with Crystal Palace. The hits keep on coming though as Jordan Henderson picked up a minor hamstring injury (C’Mon Hodgson!) and rumor has it that he’s doubtful for this weekend. In other injury news, Joe Allen took a nasty elbow from Fellaini in the Belgium vs. Wales match over the weekend, but he should be fine. Looked pretty nasty though.
Around the Interwebs:
The rumor mill has been churning away this past week, starting with the Origi saga. We have seen reports that he wants to head over in January, he doesn’t want to head over in January, and our favorite…Liverpool will give Lille Balotelli if we can bring him over in January. Origi will probably stay in Lille through the rest of the season, but a boy can dream, can’t he?
Glen Johnson has reportedly turned down a 2 year offer from Liverpool and Roma is rumored to be in the lead for the defenseman. Barca fullback Martin Montoya and Benfica’s Maxi Pereira are possible replacements for Johnson, but no word on if or when these transfers may happen.
Xherdan Shaqiri is back on Liverpool’s radar as the oft-targeted attacker has been left out of Bayern’s future plans, but Man Utd is reportedly lining up £18 million to sign him. Liverpool are also looking at Porto’s Jackson Martinez to help boost their goal shortage. Martinez may cost upwards of £30 Million, so let’s hope John Henry approves the funds.
And the best rumor award of the week goes to…Rafa Benitez!? Yes, that’s right. The former manager has recently hinted at wanting a move back to Liverpool from Napoli and popular betting sites have set the odds at 6-1 that he’ll replace Rodgers. Personally, I think it’s too soon to replace Rodgers, but we’ll have to wait until the end of the season (hopefully) to see how this one plays out.
Malice at the Palace
Times are tough. (Sigh) Real tough. Injuries are all over the place. Our strikers haven’t scored. It’s getting cold over here in the States (not Liverpool related, but still bad) and a game against Crystal Palace isn’t the guaranteed W it used to be. Our lineup is in disarray, our Champions League qualification fight is on the horizon, and Liverpool looks solidly slated in as a mid-table team. This is a far cry from the title fight that we put up last season, and a top 4 finish may already be out of reach. This Sunday’s game will be away at Selhurst Park and both sides have only had 1 win in the last 6 games. As usual, make sure your defibrillators are ready, because this one is sure to cause some issues. Go Reds!