Champions League: Nowotny suspended for Anfield tie

Bayer Leverkusen will be without influential captain Jens Nowotny for the Champions League quarter-final first leg at Anfield tomorrow night.

The Germany international, who was run ragged by Liverpool strikers Michael Owen and Emile Heskey in the 5-1 World Cup loss to England in September, misses the clash through suspension.

But Nowotny insisted the match between the Bundesliga leaders and the Premiership high-flyers would be a closer affair than the mauling in Munich.

‘‘It’s a pity I can’t play,’’ he remarked. ‘‘We have been on such a good run and every player would like to play at Anfield. We are in good shape and can keep Liverpool out for all of the 90 minutes.’’

Leverkusen warmed up for the game with a 4-2 win over Kaiserslautern to maintain their place on top of the German league.

Coach Klaus Toppmoller is likely to reshuffle his side in order to fill the gap created by Nowotny’s absence.

Midfielders Carsten Ramelow and Michael Ballack could be forced into defensive roles, with Ballack acting as sweeper.

Thomas Brdaric, given his international debut in Germany’s 4-2 win over the United States in Rostock last week, should start in attack alongside Oliver Neuville.

Veteran Ulf Kirsten, who scored after just 12 seconds against Kaiserslautern on Saturday, steps down to the bench.

Toppmoller said: ‘‘It is very hard to score against the strong defence of Liverpool with their aerial power, but Thomas plays very unconventionally and is hard to figure out.’’