Key men missing for ’Pool’s European showdown
Defender Daniel Agger has no recollection of Sunday’s game against Arsenal, according to manager Hodgson, and is out tonight. Agger suffered concussion after a knock in the second half of the 1-1 Premier League draw at Anfield.
Team-mate Jamie Carragher signalled to the bench he should be replaced as he received treatment but, with three substitutes already used, that was not an option.
With Joe Cole having been sent off, Liverpool were temporarily reduced to nine men as Agger was taken to the sidelines but the 25-year-old eventually returned to the action.
Yet the player is still suffering from headaches as a result of the clash and will not be considered against Trabzonspor.
Hodgson said: “Daniel is not doing that well. It is three days after the incident and he is still suffering from the concussion. He has no memory of the game.
“It was quite a serious concussion he received, and we can only hope it will settle down in time for Monday’s match against Manchester City.
“There was never any question he would be fit.
“He is not able to do very much at the moment because he is still suffering from headaches.
“Even something as simple as reading a newspaper or watching TV can give him a headache so it is just a question of him taking things easy.”
Midfielder Javier Mascherano will also miss the clash against the Turks with a calf injury, but could be back in contention for Monday’s trip to Eastlands.
Mascherano was a surprise selection against Arsenal given his openly stated desire to leave, but the club have still not received an offer for the 26-year-old Argentina captain.
“He will always be in my plans until the day comes when he leaves the club,” Hodgson said.
“For me that will be a long time in the future. If I could get my wish, he would always play.”
Another player Hodgson wants to stay is Holland winger Ryan Babel, who has been linked with a €9 million switch to Wolfsburg.
Babel, 23, has failed to live up to expectations after his £11.5 million arrival from Ajax three years ago.
Hodgson said: “We’ve had no written or formal offers for Ryan Babel and he is a player I am expecting to play for us.”
Definitely staying is defender Martin Skrtel, who signed a two-year extension to his contract yesterday, committing him to Anfield until 2014.
New signing Christian Poulsen could make his debut tonight and is in contention with Lucas to take Mascherano’s place in midfield. Agger could be replaced at left-back by Fabio Aurelio.
Fernando Torres is also pushing for a starting place after making his comeback from a groin injury as a substitute against Arsenal, but Hodgson may keep him in reserve for City.
The former Fulham boss said: “The sports science people are concerned we don’t rush him back too early and we don’t prejudice his situation. We don’t want to throw him in too early but he is very keen to get back in.
“If you are going to prioritise you would prioritise the league always.”
Meanwhile, Liverpool have completed the £2.3m signing of goalkeeper Brad Jones from Middlesbrough.
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