Kirkland blow for Liverpool
Thursday, September 11, 2003
Article summary
Liverpool FC goalkeeper Chris Kirkland will miss the start of their UEFA Cup campaign through injury.
Article body
Liverpool FC goalkeeper Chris Kirkland will miss the start of his side's UEFA Cup campaign after suffering a groin injury on international duty.
Warming-up injury
Kirkland aggravated the injury, which he first picked up before Liverpool's Premiership fixture against Everton FC, while warming up before England's UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifier against Portugal - a game they lost 2-1 to be eliminated.
Scan confirms absence
Club spokesman Ian Cotton said: "Chris Kirkland had a scan and unfortunately it has shown a tear to the groin which he suffered before the game at Goodison. Our medical staff predict he will be out for between four and six weeks." Kirkland missed much of last season with a knee injury.
Thursday UEFA Cup bow
French goalkeeper Patrice Luzi is expected to take over Kirkland's role as substitute for current No1 Jerzy Dudek for the Premiership fixture at Blackburn Rovers FC on Saturday and for Thursday's UEFA Cup first-round first leg at home to Slovenia's NK Olimpija Ljubljana.
