Christian Benteke
Christian Benteke could be given the chance to revive his flagging season after being included in Liverpool’s squad for the Europa League semi-final.
The Belgium striker has not played for Liverpool since a 3-2 defeat at Southampton on March 20, his absence due to a lateral collateral ligament problem sustained during the last international break.
It had looked as if Benteke would struggle to play again for Liverpool this season but he has recovered to such an extent that Jurgen Klopp has named him in the travelling party that left for Spain yesterday to play Villarreal.
Given that Divock Origi had his season ended by an ankle ligament problem, Benteke’s return does at least end some of the pressure on Liverpool’s striking department and gives Klopp options, should he require them.
It’s been a season of frustration for the 25-year-old following his £32.5million signing from Aston Villa with the striker scoring just seven goals and failing to impress.
The striker’s long-term future at the club remains uncertain, with a summer of upheaval expected to take place at Anfield.
Mamadou Sakho, as expected, was not included in the travelling party as he remains under investigation by Uefa for his failed drugs test on March 17.
Sakho looks set not to challenge his positive test for a banned substance as the Liverpool defender faces up to a ban of between six months and two years from football.
Klopp does have options with Martin Skrtel, Kolo Toure and Dejan Lovren all in the squad that is bidding to take the club to its first European final since 2007.
After producing a memorable comeback victory against Borussia Dortmund in the last round, Klopp will be hoping his side can use that inspiration against Villarreal.
The Reds threw away a two-goal lead at home to struggling Newcastle on Saturday but the German wants his stars to forget that result on concentrate on the Europa League semi-final clash. — Mailonline.