5 Reds out of Lyon game and more doubtful

Rafa Benitez faces another injury crisis ahead of this Wednesday’s Champions League clash away to Lyon.

In a must-win game for Liverpool, the Reds will be without captain Steven Gerrard, defenders Martin Skrtel and Martin Kelly and midfielder Albert Riera. All are suffering injuries that kept them out of Saturday’s 3-1 defeat to Fulham.

Alberto Aquilani also misses the trip. Just days after making his long-awaited debut for Liverpool in the 2-1 Carling Cup defeat at Arsenal last week, the Italian midfielder is suffering from flu.

The Spanish manager will also face late fitness tests to determine the availability of Daniel Agger who is struggling with a back problem again, Glen Johnson (calf) and Fabio Aurelio (calf).

Benitez told the club’s official web site, “Agger is improving – he will travel and we will then decide. He felt something in his back but it’s much better now. We have to wait and see how he reacts.

“Fabio is improving but he still has a small problem in his calf, so we will have to wait.

“Johnson is training and working with the physios but he is a doubt at this moment. He will travel to Lyon and we will see.”

However Benitez does expect to have David Ngog fit again after the French striker suffered an ankle injury last week.

Benitez added, “Ngog is much better, so he could be available.”

Lyon vs Liverpool gets underway at 7.45pm on Wednesday, 4th November. Stay tuned to This Is Anfield for more team news and previews and follow us on Twitter here.