Three Liverpool stars could be in poor physical condition for their Champions League Round of 16 match against Inter, although the Nerazzurri will be missing Nicolò Barella.

The first leg, taking place in Milan on February 16, will be played only ten days after the conclusion of the Africa Cup of Nations, meaning multiple Liverpool stars will have only just returned in time for the European knockout clash.

The Africa Cup of Nations will take place from January 9 to February 6, being delayed by around 18 months due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Naby Keita will all be away on international duty for Egypt, Senegal and Guinea respectively, and so will only have limited time to regain fitness and prepare for the match against Inter.

The Nerazzurri will not be at full strength either, however, with midfielder Nicolo Barella out for the match due to the red card he picked up in the 2-0 loss to Real Madrid last week.

The Italian midfielder will surely miss the first leg in Milan and hopes not to receive a two-match ban which will force him to the sidelines also at Anfield Road.

Inter: Zanetti plays down controversy over Champions League redraw and Liverpool

Barella was fined by the club and apologised to the match official and has said he hopes UEFA won’t punish him with a two-match suspension.

Both Jurgen Klopp and Inter vice president Javier Zanetti have commented on the European fixture between the Reds and the Nerazzurri.

The former defender believes the Nerazzurri can create trouble for the Premier League giants and hopes stadiums in Serie A will be open to 100% capacity when Liverpool travel to Milan in February.

Barella blames himself and Militao for red card against Real Madrid

3 thought on “Barella out for Inter, but Africa Cup of Nations could affect Liverpool”
  1. Salah and Mane even if they returned back a week before the match in Sansiro they will definitely create threat for Inter , and by the way no chance for Inter against Liverpool am betting inter to loose at sansiro

  2. I hate Mo-Salah arrogant fool. let’s see him succeed away from Liverpool and maybe I’ll change my mind.

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