James Milner Set To Return From Suspension For West Ham Clash

The Liverpool vice-captain returns from suspension as Reds continue to navigate injury crisis.

While it’s no reason to panic by labelling it a full-blown Crisis, it’s no secret that Liverpool have had to suffer more than their fair share of injury blows in recent weeks, namely in defense. After letting in a mere eight goals in the opening 22 games of the season, injuries to Joe Gomez, Dejan Lovren, Joël Matip and Trent Alexander-Arnold have begun taken their toll as 2019 has kicked off, with the Reds conceding four goals in recent fixtures against Crystal Palace and Leicester City.

A loan move away for Nathanial Clyne to Bournemouth has deprived Jürgen Klopp a seasoned specialty backup option at right back, leading utility man and ultimate professional, James Milner to fill in and help his side weather the storm in the absence of Alexander-Arnold. However, while 32-year-old has been game and largely up to the task, the it has been far from the ideal solution, with the midfielder receiving his marching orders in the 4-3 win over Palace with two yellow card fouls after getting repeatedly bamboozled by the shifty Wilf Zaha.

The situation was such that Liverpool captain and definite not-defender, Jordan Henderson was forced to play at right back in the 1-1 draw with Leicester on Wednesday in Milner’s absence, highlighting the lack of options Klopp has had at his disposal in defense.

However, after now serving his one-game suspension, Milner is set to throw Klopp a lifeline and return for his side’s matchup on Monday with West Ham. After dropping points the Foxes, the league leaders still hold onto a slim lead at the top of the table over Manchester City, highlighting the need for Milner to plug back in as soon as possible.

Pop the Ribena, Milly has returned.

Source: liverpooloffside.sbnation.com