OPINION
After their 2-0 defeat against Napoli, Wednesday’s Champions League clash with Red Bull Salzburg is simply a must-win game for Liverpool.
The Reds welcome the Austrians to Merseyside after they convincingly won their first European fixture this season 6-2 against Genk on the opening matchday.
Norweigian sensation Erling Braut Haaland scored a hattrick in that game and continued his irresistible form in this campaign which has catapulted him into the spotlight.
The 19-year-old has quickly become one of the hottest forwards in Europe this season, after scoring 17 goals in 12 appearances this season.
However, luckily for Liverpool, the forward could miss the trip to England on Wednesday as he has been classed as a doubt due to sickness.
Salzburg sporting director Christoph Freund revealed to Viasat, as quoted by the Liverpool Echo, that the Austrians are sweating over his fitness.
“The next two days are important. He is checked by a doctor every day,” he said.
“He’s sick, and we don’t quite know when he will be back. Hopefully over the next few days.”
This would be brilliant news for Liverpool and their defence, who would be coming up against a side that could have their attack significantly weakened by the potential absence of their main man.
Haaland doesn’t only score goals, his link-up play is equally as important for Salzburg, with him claiming five assists in the first eight league games as he spearheads their attack.
The 19-year-old has attracted interest from Arsenal amongst many, who were reported by Football London to have been tracking his progress in the Champions League.
Salzburg would have been pinning a lot of their hopes on the young Norweigian international should they have picked up three points at Anfield, and his absence is a massive boost for the Reds on Wednesday.
Liverpool will surely be increasingly confident of securing a victory and kickstarting their defence of the Champions League when welcoming the Austrians to town.
