Liverpool boosted as key Roma player ruled out of tie

Liverpool have received a timely boost with the news that Roma midfielder Kevin Strootman is likely to miss the second leg of their Champions League semi-final.

Liverpool travel to Rome to defend a 5-2 first-leg lead in Wednesday’s game.

The Reds have had their build-up to the game disrupted by the situation surrounding assistant manager Zeljko Buvac, a reported shock target to become Arsenal manager.

But Roma manager Eusebio Di Francesco’s press conference revealed some positive news for Jurgen Klopp’s side.

“We’re up against a very different team to Barcelona, in that they play more direct. In any case we want to pull this comeback off and achieve something special,” said Di Francesco.

“I’ll weigh things up today as far as the line-up goes. Our approach will have to be spot on both defensively and in attack.

“As for injury news, unfortunately it’s hard to see Kevin Strootman being involved.

“We’re playing a Champions League semi-final in front of 70,000 people – you should expect to see a team ready to compete. I want to see an eagerness and desire from the players to overcome this challenge.”

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