Liverpool risk heading into tonight’s Europa League clash against Manchester United without the services of James Milner.
Milner missed training with Jurgen Klopp’s side yesterday after he was sent home by medics at the club’s Melwood training ground after complaining about feeling unwell.
The 30-year-old’s penalty in the previous round of the Europa League tipped the balance in Liverpool’s favour against Augsburg but ahead of this evening’s last 16 showdown, the Reds vice-captain has been struck down with a virus which threatens to rule him out of United’s visit.
Milner’s most recent outing saw him sent off for a second bookable offence in the late 2-1 win over Crystal Palace last weekend.
Liverpool, meanwhile, have secured the long-term future of Pedro Chirivella after the young midfielder signed a new long-term contract.
The 18-year-old, who joined from Valencia’s academy in 2013, made his senior bow as a substitute in the Europa League encounter with Bordeaux in September and was handed a full start in January’s FA Cup tie with West Ham United.
“It feels really good. I have worked really hard in the last year. I’m very proud to sign a new contract with one of the best teams in Europe,” said Chirivella.
“When Liverpool wanted me to sign here, I had no doubt about it. But when I came here, I needed to perform really well because the club trusted me and I had to give them a reason why.
“With pressure and [being] away from family, there are a lot of things that make it difficult, but now I’m pleased to be doing really well here.”