Liverpool's behind-closed-doors friendly against Aston Villa today (Sunday, August 7) has been called off.
Birmingham Live's Ashley Preece has reported the match will no longer go ahead. Villa boss Steven Gerrard confirmed the news and said his squad 'doesn't need minutes' but 'more quality'.
Gerrard was speaking after his side's 2-0 defeat at newly promoted Bournemouth. The Liverpool legend was unhappy after the match. Reds boss Jurgen Klopp wasn't pleased either after his side were held to a 2-2 draw at another club who have just come up in Fulham.
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Klopp's mood would not have been helped after midfielder Thiago was forced off with a hamstring problem. As Liverpool wait to hear the extent of the injury, it appears no further risk will be taken.
The friendly against Premier League rivals Villa had initially been arranged in order to get some of the fringe players up to speed for the new season. The campaign has started earlier than usual due to the winter World Cup in Qatar later this year.
The Reds will hope to bounce back when they're next in action at home to Crystal Palace at Anfield on Monday, August 15. Gerrard's Villa team host Liverpool's Merseyside rivals Everton on Saturday, August 13.
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