Liverpool’s vice-captain James Milner tore a muscle in his foot against Barcelona last weekend, reports the Express.
Although that sounds like a serious problem, the article claims he’s not actually confirmed to miss our Premier League opener against Arsenal – and if he does – should definitely be available for the Burnley clash afterwards.
This is positive, as without a left-back to compete with Alberto Moreno, Milner may just be our first-choice in that position this coming season.
The defensively shoddy Spaniard has performed poorly in pre-season, and the team that thrashed Barcelona 4-0 on Saturday is likely to be the one that begins the campaign v Arsenal if possible. Importantly, Milner played ahead of Moreno at left-back, indicating he’s climbed above his younger counterpart in the fullback pecking order.
That being said, nearly every Liverpool fan would prefer we simply signed a natural left-back ahead of the new season – with Brad Smith sold to Bournemouth and Jon Flanagan loaned to Burnley this summer, too.