Former Liverpool manager and current Watford boss Roy Hodgson has suggested Inter Milan will miss Nicolo Barella tonight, with the midfielder out through suspension.
Speaking to Sempre Inter, the ex-Inter manager lauded the Italian international’s importance for the Nerazzurri ahead of what could be a UEFA Champions League classic in Milan.
Liverpool head to Italy with the confidence of claiming a win in the Round of 16 first-leg, with Jurgen Klopp’s side one of the favourites to win the Champions League this season, yet Inter could spoil their plans.
The Italian giants have been in excellent form this season, and Barella, who was linked with a move to Liverpool in the summer according to Gazzetta dello Sport, has been key to Inter’s run at retaining the Serie A title, which makes his absence such a blow for the hosts.
The midfielder has been one of Inter’s best players in recent years and could have played a starring role for Simone Inzaghi’s side tonight had he been available, and for Hodgson, Barella’s replacement, Arturo Vidal, could offer something different in the midfield.
Hodgson said: “I haven’t watched Nicolo Barella too much but he is undoubtedly an important player for Inter. Arturo Vidal, should he be the replacement, offers a lot of experience which is important in games like these.”
No Barella for Inter will be huge for Liverpool this evening
The Serie A midfielder has been one of the stars for the league for some time, and his absence tonight is huge for Liverpool, with Inter significantly weakened without Barella this evening.
The midfielder was linked with Liverpool for good reason that he is one of the most technically gifted players in his position in Europe, and for Klopp, the Reds have a strong chance of getting something tonight with Barella unavailable for Inter.
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