Football: Break disrupts Liverpool’s preparations

LONDON: The international break has disrupted Liverpool’s preparations for next weekend’s eagerly-anticipated clash against reigning champions Manchester United, according to Liverpool first-team coach Steve Clarke.

Several members of Liverpool’s squad are currently away on international duty, with key players like striker Luis Suarez and midfielder Lucas Leiva set to return no earlier than Thursday from their commitments.

“We don’t get the full group to work with until the day before the game, which is disappointing, but you just have to deal with it,” said Clarke. Liverpool beat United 3-1 in the corresponding fixture last season.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 9^th, 2011.