Shambolic Reds limp to Lyon in search of salvation

“HE’LL ****ing have to play,” growled John Aldridge, one-time Anfield goal-machine now turned radio pundit, as a final word to colleagues as he exited Craven Cottage.

The “he” referred to Fernando Torres, of course. Or was it Steven Gerrard? As ever, Liverpool’s prospects of success revolve around their only two genuinely world-class players and Champions League lives are on the line now, in Lyon on Wednesday.

Neither are fit and their absence was certainly keenly felt in west London on Saturday as Liverpool’s tortured season endured another excruciating twist.