Adrian injured due to supporter, may not play against Southampton

Just days after making several key saves and stopping Tammy Abraham’s penalty in the UEFA Super Cup shootout, it was revealed today that Liverpool goalkeeper Adrian may not play against Southampton.

Adrian suffered an ankle injury following Liverpool’s win as the club celebrated the victory. According to the BBC, Adrian was injured when a supporter ran onto the pitch to celebrate with the team and crashed into Liverpool’s players.

As Jurgen Klopp pointed out, fans have invaded the pitch for Liverpool’s first three matches of the season. In addition, a swimsuit-clad woman invaded the pitch during Liverpool’s Champions League Final. More security looks needed at football matches around Europe to prevent more pitch invasions.

“It was a strange, weird situation because we were celebrating between us and one guy jumped from the crowd and started running,” Adrian explained. “I think he slipped in front of us and also the security with him and made me a tackle from the side.”

Liverpool claim Adrian is hopeful he will appear in the fixture but he didn’t train on Friday. An ankle injury isn’t something a goalkeeper can just strap up and carry on with. Therefore, Liverpool may have to turn to Andy Lonergan.

If Liverpool supporters thought that Adrian’s signing and immediate inclusion in the team were amazing, then Lonergan’s possible role in the team would be even more remarkable.

According to BT Sports’ commentators during the UEFA Super Cup, Adrian had been “training on a park” to keep his fitness up while waiting for a club to call.

Lonergan had been released by Middlesbrough and was a free agent until Liverpool signed him for preseason. Lonergan was never supposed to receive a contract nor was he expected to play if needed. Now, he could start a Premier League match for the reigning Champions League winners.

Liverpool academy graduate Caoimhin Kelleher could play if needed. However, a decision on the starting goalkeeper position will be made on Saturday.

Jurgen Klopp will most likely play Adrian if at all possible. The Spaniard was good in the Super Cup with his only mistake being the penalty given to Tammy Abraham despite replays showing no contact was made between the two players.