Bayer Leverkusen’s Nordi Mukiele sidelined for Liverpool clash | OneFootball

Bayer Leverkusen have received an injury blow ahead of their Champions League clash against Liverpool on Tuesday night. On Xabi Alonso’s return to Anfield, the Spaniard will be without Nordi Mukiele, who after a difficult start to life at Bayer, has established himself as an important player in recent weeks.

In Leverkusen’s 0-0 draw against Stuttgart on Friday, Mukiele suffered a thigh injury which poses Alonso with a tactical headache ahead of their game against Liverpool.

Occupying the right-flank against VfB Stuttgart, Mukiele offers defensive solidity which allows Jeremie Frimpong to be at his best in an attacking role. The absence of the Frenchman against Liverpool means that Frimpong will see his defensive workload increase to combat the threat of Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo.

Bayer Leverkusen are struggling defensively with only Edmond Tapsoba, Jonathan Tah and Piero Hincapié the remaining three fit central defenders. Jeanuël Belocian is sidelined while Mukiele, who can also operate centrally, is expected to be out until after the international break.

GGFN | Daniel Pinder