Liverpool first-team coach Mike Marsh has confirmed that Pepe Reina and Glen Johnson will sit out the Reds’ midweek clash with Swansea in the Capital One Cup has they continue to recover from respective injuries.
The goalkeeper could only manage a place on the substitutes’ bench in the 2-2 draw against Merseyside rivals Everton on Sunday, as back-up stopper Brad Jones continued to deputise, as his rehabilitation from a hamstring injury continues.
Johnson, meanwhile, is also set to miss out with a knock he picked up during last Thursday’s 1-0 Europa League win over Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala.
The right-back sat out the weekend derby altogether, with Jose Enrique switching from his preferred left-back position to cover, and will not be rushed back into the side for the Swansea match as a precaution.
Marsh told the club’s official website: “They’re both unavailable for the Swansea game. We’ll see where they are after that.”
Despite the injury worries over two of their most senior individuals, Marsh also revealed how the Reds came through the derby game without any fresh fitness concerns, but did admit Brendan Rodgers will largely field a second-string side.
“The boys have come out of it [the derby] well and they’re all fit and strong,” he added. “One or two are carrying knocks.
“We play Swansea tomorrow in the Capital One Cup and it’s a chance to rest one or two and give one or two other players a chance to get some game time.”