Klopp gives update on Jota’s future as Liverpool’s injury crisis worsens
Liverpool travel to the Czech Republic on Thursday as they resume their hunt for a European trophy in this season’s Europa League.
Jurgen Klopp’s side already have one trophy under their belt after their youthful side triumphed in the Carabao Cup final against Chelsea, and are still in the hunt for three others.
A last-minute winner from Darwin Nunez ensured Liverpool will travel across Europe at the top of the Premier League, and they are still in contention in the FA Cup as well.
However, with Manchester City to play on Sunday, Klopp could consider rotating some of his senior players for the journey and keeping his side fresh for the top-of-the-table clash.
Follow all the action from the Europa League in the blog below and get the latest odds and tips here:
HT Sparta Prague 0-3 Liverpool
Darwin Nunez’s first goal was the 1,000th that Liverpool have scored across all competitions under Jurgen Klopp, with tonight being their 476th such game.
Mike Jones7 March 2024 18:45
Half-time! Sparta Prague 0-3 Liverpool
45+4 mins: The whistle goes to end the first half. Liverpool have taken their chances, Sparta Prague haven’t taken theirs. That’s been the difference between the teams.
Mike Jones7 March 2024 18:35
GOAL! Sparta Prague 0-3 Liverpool (Nunez, 45+3’)⚽️
Alexis Mac Allister flicks the ball over the top to Darwin Nunez who brings it under control the touches it towards the box. He belts a dipping shot at goal and beats Peter Vindahl to add a third on the night for Liverpool!
Mike Jones7 March 2024 18:34
Sparta Prague 0-2 Liverpool
45 mins: Three minutes of added time to play.
Mike Jones7 March 2024 18:33
Sparta Prague 0-2 Liverpool
43 mins: Asger Sorensen is forced off the pitch before the first half comes to an end and is replaced with Matej Rynes.
Save! Cody Gakpo gets into the box and receives the ball. Peter Vindahl keeps out the shot after slipping and falling to the ground. He recovers well to leap across to his left and denies the Reds a third goal.
Mike Jones7 March 2024 18:29
Sparta Prague 0-2 Liverpool
40 mins: Liverpool have gotten away with a couple of chances now and, backed by some fine goalkeeping from Kelleher, have kept their two goal cushion in tact.
This match feels like one which will see Sparta Prague score a couple if they can get the first one in. Liverpool will need to reset at the break.
Mike Jones7 March 2024 18:25
Sparta Prague 0-2 Liverpool
Sparta Prague should have a goal. Harvey Elliott loses the ball and it gets slipped into the box for Kuchta. He collects and drills a low effort at Caoimhin Kelleher but the Liverpool goalkeeper is up to the task and keeps it out.
The best chance comes to Veljko Birmancevic who gets to the rebound but the ball is stuck under his feet and rolls wide of the target.
Mike Jones7 March 2024 18:23
Sparta Prague 0-2 Liverpool
34 mins: Jan Kuchta has a half chance on the volley but his effort is booted high over the crossbar.
Liverpool then come down the pitch and win a corner. An outswinger comes into the box but is nodded as far as Wataru Endo. He volleys one at goal but, like Kuchta, knocks the effort high and wide.
Mike Jones7 March 2024 18:21
Sparta Prague 0-2 Liverpool
31 mins: In the other early kick off featuring a British club, Roma have taken a 1-0 lead over Brighton through Paulo Dybala’s opener.
The Seagulls will need to fight back in that one.
Mike Jones7 March 2024 18:19