Liverpool head coach Jurgen Klopp has confirmed that Mohamed Salah will miss the Champions League second leg clash against Barcelona on Tuesday.
The Egyptian was stretchered off the pitch in the 3-2 win over Newcastle for the Reds on Saturday, after suffering an head injury.
He now joins Roberto Firmino on the sidelines ahead of a key showdown with the Spanish champions Barcelona at Anfield, as Jurgen Klopp confirmed on Monday.
The German boss told a press conference: “Salah cannot play tomorrow. He is better in his recovery, but he cannot play tomorrow.
“Precaution? No, it’s a concussion, which means he is not allowed to play. He feels OK, but it is not good enough from a medical point of view.”
Barcelona, happy with a three-goal lead after the first leg, tweeted: “Games like these are for world-class players. Get well soon!”
The 26-year-old scored his 22nd Premier League goal of the campaign against the Magpies, helping Liverpool secure an eighth consecutive domestic win.
He is now set to win the Golden Boot for the second consecutive year, and Klopp revealed he will return in time to face Wolves on the final day of the season.
However, Liverpool will now have to play without two of their main attackers against Barcelona, with Xherdan Shaqiri likely to be in the starting line-up after his impressive performance at St James’ Park.
Georgino Wijnaldum played up front in Firmino’s absence against Barcelona last week and he could be asked to play the same role again, but Daniel Sturridge is also another option for Klopp.
Klopp acknowledges the size of the task facing his team but is hopeful the Anfield crowd can make a big difference on the Tuesday night.
“I’d imagine this place will be rocking,” he added. “We not only have to score, but we also have to deny Barcelona from scoring.
“We know how big the challenge is. We will try 100 per cent.
“Two of the world’s best strikers are not available and we have to score four goals against Barcelona.
“That doesn’t make life easy, but we will try. If we can’t do it, let’s fail in the most beautiful way.”
