Updated at 11.52
LIVERPOOL COULD BE dealt a blow after manager Jurgen Klopp revealed that Adrian is a doubt for this weekend’s Premier League clash with Southampton.
The German boss told reporters that the number two goalkeeper had been injured by a fan during the club’s Super Cup celebrations in the week.
“A supporter slipped and kicked his ankle,” he said. “Yesterday it was swollen and today I spoke to him and he said it’s much better, but we have to see.
”There’s no doubt about how much we love our fans, but if they can all stop doing that, please. It’s not funny. I like the fact that there are not fences in the stadiums but there has to be some responsibility from the fans as well.
Norwich, Istanbul, people ran on the pitch. It’s not funny. The girl in the CL final made money obviously, but there’s a lot of responsibility for fans.
“Apart from that, it was a brilliant night for him.”
Adrian stole the headlines during the week with his save from Tammy Abraham after nine successful spot-kicks in the shootout, as the Reds overcame Chelsea to claim another European trophy
The 32-year-old Spaniard was starting his first game for the European champions, just nine days after signing for Liverpool as cover for first choice Alisson Becker.
The Brazilian picked up a calf injury in the first-half against Norwich, a problem which could sideline him for up to eight weeks and has seen Adrian, who spent the summer as a free agent following his departure from West Ham, thrown into the spotlight.
Did anyone see this slide tackle by some idiot after the shoot out... what the heck man!! #LFC #SuperCup pic.twitter.com/hJrGpiguMd
— Reaaz Ahmed (@ReaazAhmed) August 16, 2019
The potential absence of Adrian means Klopp may have to choose between Andy Lonergan, the 35-year-old former Preston and Leeds goalkeeper who signed on a short-term contract earlier this month, and Ireland U21 international Caoimhin Kelleher.
Both goalkeepers were named on the bench for the Super Cup clash, with Cork native Kelleher just back from injury.
The Liverpool boss added: “We need to think about Saturday to find a way to win the game.
“Andy Lonergan is in training with Kelleher and we have them if we have to make a decision.
“Adrian was a week before, Lonergan has trained with us. Kelleher has potential but is not 100 per cent yet. We will see.”
The Reds will be expected to pick up another three points against Southampton at St Mary’s this weekend, as they aim to go one better than last season and beat Manchester City to the title.
After the clash with the Saints, Liverpool will turn their attention to a huge home fixture against Arsenal on 24 August.
Additional reporting by AFP
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