INJURY LEAK: HANSI FLICK SUSPECTED CHRISTENSEN WAS FIT TO PLAY AGAINST INTER LAST SEASON
A new book claims Andreas Christensen refused to come on as a substitute in Barcelona's UCL semi-final vs Inter. Hansi Flick wanted the defender to see out the game, but the Dane cited back pain.
Christensen Didn't Want To Come On
Last season, Barcelona narrowly lost out on their first Champions League final in a decade after Inter equalised in injury time and emerged victorious in extra time. Following the match, the decision made by Hansi Flick to maintain an attacking strategy despite the score being in Barcelona's favour became a significant topic of debate.
However, a recent biography by Sebastian Staszewski claims that Flick was keen to implement changes. The book has already generated buzz in Spain by revealing that Barcelona supposedly encouraged Robert Lewandowski to refrain from scoring during his debut season. Another anecdote that raises eyebrows has now surfaced.
As detailed in the book cited by Sport, Flick called for centre back Andreas Christensen as Barcelona sought to secure the match in the final ten minutes, but Christensen refused to participate.
Christensen was informed by Flick's assistant, who then conveyed that he was experiencing back pain. Flick was doubtful about the Dane’s fitness, but he had no time to contemplate this as Inter was pressing hard and every second counted. Flick remained the only calm presence. He opted to include the 187-centimetre-tall Andreas Christensen, anticipating that his team would face a barrage of crosses, but was ultimately unable to do so.
It turned out that Lewandowski appeared to be equally as physically limited while trying to recover from a hamstring injury sustained weeks earlier, and neither his attacking talent nor aerial ability could help Barcelona secure a win.
The story of Christensen's injuries
Just three days before the return leg in Milan, the Danish defender played the entire ninety minutes against Real Valladolid after having played seven minutes in the initial semifinal match in Barcelona. Christensen also logged 33 minutes in the Champions League fixture against Real Madrid following the match in Italy.
However, the 29-year-old has faced significant injury challenges, making it plausible that back issues hindered his participation in one game before travelling days later. Nevertheless, Christensen has recently reacted strongly to the notion that he is injury-prone, which complicates his efforts to dispel that belief.
UNLESS THEY DO THIS" JAMIE CARRAGHER BLASTS REDS UCL RISK
Jamie Carragher warns Liverpool's top-four hopes are at risk without a new defender. He claims the team lacks the physicality to compete and must invest in January to fix their alarming defensive record.
Carra Sees Stumbling Reds Straying From UCL
According to Jamie Carragher, if Liverpool does not invest in a new defender, they might lose their opportunity to compete in the Champions League next year.
The Reds icon cautioned his former team that unless they significantly strengthen their defence, it will be difficult to place in the top four of the Premier League.
According to legendary Liverpool player Jamie Carragher, Arne Slot ought to have paid attention to Jurgen Klopp's summer additions!
Despite winning the Premier League with ease the previous year, Arne Slot's side has lost all of their forward momentum this year.
Liverpool had now suffered five more losses in just 11 game weeks than they had in their whole championship season (four).
They are now eight points behind the league leaders, Arsenal, in eighth position in the standings.
Before overcoming Aston Villa in early November, they had only managed one win in their previous six games, having lost four straight.
In addition, this month's international break began horribly with a 3-0 thrashing at the hands of rivals Manchester City.
Slot's and a few other players' performances have been questioned this season due to Liverpool's difficulties.
Carragher believes that the Reds currently lack physical strength, which is one of the worries expressed about the team.
"In my opinion, there are a couple of minor flaws," he said on the Overlap.
"But to be completely honest, they can not handle the intensity of the Premier League based on the games they have lost and the kinds of games they have lost.
In order to significantly raise the calibre of football, goals, and excitement, Arne Slot intended to change Liverpool's focus.
"When he played Man City last week, he praised Pep [Guardiola] as his idol, and he undoubtedly is for many managers.
"That is exactly how he plays. He is trying to guide Liverpool in a certain way, and it seems like the Premier League's brutality has returned."
Carragher went on to discuss his worries about their dwindling chances of winning the championship and the specific positions he thinks they should bolster during the upcoming January transfer window.
"Even considering the number of points and how far behind they are, I do not think this collection of players is capable of winning the Premier League this year," he said.
"In January, they may need to add more vigour, strength, and speed.
"If Liverpool does not acquire a defender in January, I think they risk losing out on the Champions League. "
Liverpool's defensive problems
Liverpool has only preserved three clean sheets in 11 Premier League games so far this season.
Additionally, they have only been shut out once this season, and that was against Real Madrid of all teams in the Champions League.
Slot's team has only scored 18 goals and allowed 17 in the league. They have also let up eight goals in other competitions.
With title contenders Arsenal only giving up five goals in the top flight, Man City giving up eight, and Chelsea giving up eleven, these are alarming figures so early in the season.
Criticism has resulted from Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate's inability to return to their former level of performance.
In the midst of speculation of a possible transfer to Madrid, Konate has come under fire for his performances in particular.
Who might Liverpool sign?
Some Liverpool supporters might attribute the team's defensive struggles to their summer transfer drama.
Marc Guehi was about to sign with Crystal Palace, but he stayed put due to some controversy on Deadline Day.
The season might have begun differently if Guehi had joined.
Despite the Reds' initial reluctance to make another move for the soon-to-be out-of-contract star, the England centre-back may become available once more in January.
Giovanni Leoni gave the team another option at the back when he came in the summer, but the young player suffered an ACL injury during his September debut.
Additionally, their defensive record and lack of depth will probably force them to comply with Carragher's request to look for another player.
MARSEILLE SHOCKER: NAYEF AGUERD RULED OUT OF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE CLASH AGAINST MAGPIES
Newcastle United's Champions League clash with Marseille gets a boost as key defender Nayef Aguerd is likely to miss the match with a groin injury, according to reports from France.
Key Defender Nayef Aguerd won't face Newcastle in the UCL
Newcastle United is set to face Marseille in the Champions League midweek, following their recent encounter with Manchester City on Saturday.
The Magpies have performed well in their Champions League matches so far, and next week they aim to capitalise on their exciting win against Union Saint-Gilloise by taking on Marseille from France.
A key update regarding a significant player from Robert De Zerbi's squad has come from the French newspaper L'Equipe, enhancing Newcastle's prospects.
Nayef Aguerd, a former West Ham player, is likely to sit out the game against Newcastle due to a groin injury.
Olympique Marseille has confirmed Aguerd's injury ahead of the clash with Newcastle.
A statement from Marseille's official site reads:
"Pubalgia onset. Specific treatment has been initiated to alleviate symptoms and support a gradual return to play. The medical team of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation is frequently consulted."
This season, Aguerd has been a reliable presence for De Zerbi, which will pose a significant challenge for the French side.
Marseille stands to miss Nayef Aguerd.
Having faced Newcastle during his time at West Ham, we know how troublesome he can be. He was so dependable that a transfer to St. James' Park was contemplated before his move to France.
This is certainly a positive development for Newcastle's aspirations; however, there is still time before the match, so we shouldn't get overly optimistic, as we could lose players too.
Newcastle fans travelling to Marseille next week are advised to follow the club's travel and mobility recommendations while in France.