Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Figo Likely To Miss Liverpool Match

Inter boss Roberto Mancini believes that is unlikely that Luis Figo will be ready to play against Liverpool next week.

The Nerazzurri travel to Anfield a week today in one of three mouth-watering Champions League ties involving Italian teams.

Inter have injury problems going into the game as Dejan Stankovic, Maicon, Hernan Crespo and Santiago Solari are all struggling, while Luis Figo is only just returning to fitness after suffering a broken leg in November.

"I left out three or four important players [against Catania on Sunday],” said Mancini.

"I hope to recover those players that are injured although I'm not sure Luis Figo will be able to play against Liverpool."

Mancini is under no illusions that his team is in for a very difficult game against the 2005 Champions League winners.

"Liverpool is a very tough team to play against," he said. "They are difficult opponents, that don't give you many spaces.

"Liverpool have proved to be in good form."

These two European giants have only met once competitively in the past and that was in the semi-final of the European Cup back in 1964/1965.

In a classic tie, Liverpool won the first leg 3-1 at Anfield, only to lose 3-0 in the return leg at San Siro and exit the competition 4-3 on aggregate.

The match in Italy was a controversial affair as Liverpool players believe that Joaquin Peiró’s goal for Inter should have been disallowed after he stole a bounced ball from Liverpool goalkeeper Tommy Lawrence.

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