Double metatarsal blow for Liverpool
By Tim Rich
Last Updated: 12:48am BST 20/09/2007
Liverpool were left reeling from a double injury setback last night when it was revealed that midfielder Xabi Alonso and defender Daniel Agger had both fractured metatasals and will be out of action for up to six weeks.
Alonso reported the injury during training yesterday following Liverpol's return from their Champions League clash away to Porto on Tuesday night. Agger had been thought to be struggling with a bruised toe, but that has now been diagnosed as a fracture.
These are the latest big-name players to have sustained a metatarsal injury. Wayne Rooney has only just returned to duty for Manchester United after fracturing his foot and Wigan and England striker Emile Heskey has been sidelined with the same injury. Only yesterday, Everton manager David Moyes questioned whether modern football boots had become too lightweight.
The injuries to the Liverpool pair are the latest headache for manager Rafael Benitez, whose side were far from impressive in drawing 1-1 with Porto, where Jermaine Pennant was sent off.
Benitez repeated a phrase that must be very familiar to this young, brazenly talented winger. "I hope he learns from his mistake."
At Arsenal, Birmingham and with England at under-21 level, Pennant was a mixture of promise and disappointment but his move to Liverpool was supposed to represent a fresh start that culminated in an exceptional display in the European Cup final. And yet he returned to Merseyside yesterday with Benitez questioning his discipline and his ability to listen to a team talk.
The Liverpool manager had stressed the need not to become physically involved with a Porto side who traditionally make the most of challenges. Yet, even before half time, Benitez was considering substituting Pennant. Thirteen minutes after the interval, when Pennant was shown a second yellow card for a ridiculous and unnecessary challenge, he must have wished he had.
Pennant may have reflected afterwards that he had been "baffled by the referee all night" but, unlike Benitez, he had yet to realise that there are very different standards in the Champions League when it comes to physical contact.
That Porto failed to press home their advantage meant the night, however forgettable, was actually profitable seen through Benitez's eyes. It was a similar beginning to Liverpool's last Champions League campaign, when they returned from PSV Eindhoven with a point from their most awkward group game.
And yet when Pennant remarked that he was "sure the manager won't hold the sending-off against me," he may have been optimistic.
Benitez understands precisely what referees will tolerate in European competition and if there is any hint of a repetition, Pennant may see his manager's ruthless side. The winger, still only 24, has much to offer but until he understands the basics of European football, he will be considered a risk.
CLICKY
By Tim Rich
Last Updated: 12:48am BST 20/09/2007
Liverpool were left reeling from a double injury setback last night when it was revealed that midfielder Xabi Alonso and defender Daniel Agger had both fractured metatasals and will be out of action for up to six weeks.
Alonso reported the injury during training yesterday following Liverpol's return from their Champions League clash away to Porto on Tuesday night. Agger had been thought to be struggling with a bruised toe, but that has now been diagnosed as a fracture.
These are the latest big-name players to have sustained a metatarsal injury. Wayne Rooney has only just returned to duty for Manchester United after fracturing his foot and Wigan and England striker Emile Heskey has been sidelined with the same injury. Only yesterday, Everton manager David Moyes questioned whether modern football boots had become too lightweight.
The injuries to the Liverpool pair are the latest headache for manager Rafael Benitez, whose side were far from impressive in drawing 1-1 with Porto, where Jermaine Pennant was sent off.
Benitez repeated a phrase that must be very familiar to this young, brazenly talented winger. "I hope he learns from his mistake."
At Arsenal, Birmingham and with England at under-21 level, Pennant was a mixture of promise and disappointment but his move to Liverpool was supposed to represent a fresh start that culminated in an exceptional display in the European Cup final. And yet he returned to Merseyside yesterday with Benitez questioning his discipline and his ability to listen to a team talk.
The Liverpool manager had stressed the need not to become physically involved with a Porto side who traditionally make the most of challenges. Yet, even before half time, Benitez was considering substituting Pennant. Thirteen minutes after the interval, when Pennant was shown a second yellow card for a ridiculous and unnecessary challenge, he must have wished he had.
Pennant may have reflected afterwards that he had been "baffled by the referee all night" but, unlike Benitez, he had yet to realise that there are very different standards in the Champions League when it comes to physical contact.
That Porto failed to press home their advantage meant the night, however forgettable, was actually profitable seen through Benitez's eyes. It was a similar beginning to Liverpool's last Champions League campaign, when they returned from PSV Eindhoven with a point from their most awkward group game.
And yet when Pennant remarked that he was "sure the manager won't hold the sending-off against me," he may have been optimistic.
Benitez understands precisely what referees will tolerate in European competition and if there is any hint of a repetition, Pennant may see his manager's ruthless side. The winger, still only 24, has much to offer but until he understands the basics of European football, he will be considered a risk.
CLICKY
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