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Christian Benteke injury: Liverpool striker ruled out of Capital One Cup tie against Bournemouth

The Belgian had only just returned to action following a hamstring injury

Mark Critchley
Wednesday 28 October 2015 11:25 GMT
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Liverpool striker Christian Benteke
Liverpool striker Christian Benteke

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has suffered a further injury setback with striker Christian Benteke ruled out of Wednesday night’s Capital One Cup tie with Bournemouth.

The Belgian, who had only just returned from the sidelines following a month out with a hamstring strain, came off the bench to score an impressive header in Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Southampton.

However, according to reports from the Liverpool Echo, the striker complained of discomfort after the game and will not be risked in cup tie.

Despite suggestions that Benteke was set for a lengthy period of absence after damaging medial ligaments, Liverpool say the £32m summer signing has only sustained a minor knee injury.

The club are yet to rule him out of Saturday’s trip to Stamford Bridge and their meeting with an out-of-form Chelsea side.

Daniel Sturridge is also out of contention as he recovers from a knee injury sustained during Klopp’s first week in charge, while Danny Ings is a long-term absentee having recently undergone surgery on a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament.

Divock Origi is, therefore, the club’s only fit senior striker and is likely to lead the line against Bournemouth.

The young, raw Belgian striker has started all three of Klopp’s games in charge at the club so far and, despite his high work rate, is yet to prove he can provide a consistent stream of goals.

Klopp could feasibly deploy £29m summer signing Roberto Firmino as his front man or hand a start to youngster Jerome Sinclair.

The club has also confirmed that Wednesday night's fixture will go ahead after a security alert at Anfield came to an end.

The stadium was evacuated on Tuesday afternoon following reports that a man, taking part in a tour, was unaccounted for and had gone missing.

Following thorough searches of the premeses during the evening, both Merseyside Police and the club were confident that no people remained inside the ground and reopened the stadium.

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