Mohamed Salah has been ruled out of Liverpool’s Champions League semi-final against Barcelona with concussion.
Salah was carried off on a stretcher during the second half of Saturday’s 3-2 win at Newcastle United after a clash with goalkeeper Martin Dubravka.
The Egyptian was assessed by Liverpool’s medical staff on Monday and judged not to be fit to play in Tuesday’s second leg, with Liverpool looking to overturn a 3-0 deficit.
Jürgen Klopp will also be without Roberto Firmino, who has not recovered in time from a groin injury, having not been included in the squad for Newcastle.
“Both are not available for tomorrow,” Klopp said, adding on Salah: “It’s concussion. It means he would not even be allowed to play.
“He’s OK but it’s not good enough from a medical point of view. He is desperate but we cannot do it. That’s it.”
Klopp said that Salah should be available for Sunday’s Premier League title decider against Wolverhampton Wanderers but regulations prevent him from facing Barcelona.
According to Fifa protocols, a concussed player cannot return to play competitive football until after at least six days.
“Two of the world’s best strikers are not available tomorrow and we have to score four goals to go through in 90 minutes,” Klopp added.
“It doesn’t make life easier but as long as we have 11 players on the pitch, we will try. Either a proper finish or another goal.
“That is the plan: just try and if we can do it wonderful and if not, fail in the most beautiful way.”
