Liverpool lose key trio
Thursday, November 23, 2006
Article summary
Liverpool FC are counting the cost of last night's 2-0 victory against PSV Eindhoven, with Mark González out for at least a fortnight with hamstring trouble.
Article body
Liverpool FC are counting the cost of last night's 2-0 victory against PSV Eindhoven that confirmed their entry into the last 16 as group winners.
Problems mount
The English club saw midfield trio Xabi Alonso, Jermaine Pennant and Mark González and all substituted with injuries, with the latter considered the most serious casualty. "Unfortunately we have some injuries with Mark González the more serious," said manager Rafael Benítez. "González will be out for at least two weeks with his hamstring which is a blow for us. Xabi has a dead leg and Pennant has spasms in his hamstring."
Domestic focus
With Liverpool through to the first knockout round as Group C winners, Benítez can at least take comfort from the fact his players will not be back on meaningful UEFA Champions League duty until 20 February at the earliest. Of more pressing concern is the club's Premiership form, with the Reds tenth in the 20-team table and 16 points behind leaders Manchester United FC. They resume their domestic campaign with Saturday's visit of Manchester City FC.
