Liverpool have lost six of their last seven matches in all competitions after slipping to a fifth Premier League defeat of the campaign at Craven Cottage. While the Olympique Lyonnais need just a draw against Liverpool FC to book their UEFA Champions League knockout place from Group E .
Rafael Benítez's team could fall six points behind second-placed ACF Fiorentina if results go against them as they face Group E leaders Lyon in the Stade de Gerland tomorrow, although the manager, who hopes to have Fernando Torres fit, has overseen group-stage recoveries before.
A seventh defeat in eight games would be something Liverpool have not experienced since Bill Shankly's appointment as manager, 50 years ago on December 1.
But with a frightening injury crisis, there is a very real prospect of a side missing Steven Gerrard, Glen Johnson, Martin Skrtel, Fabio Aurelio and Albert Riera suffering that humiliation. Besides Fernando Torres, Alberto Aquilani, Daniel Agger and David Ngog are doubtful to appear in the fixture against Lyon.
Lyon, with three victories already, need one point to qualify for the last 16, while Liverpool have never lost three successive European Cup games in their history.
For Lyon, Anderson (knee, calf, shoulder), Jean-Alain Boumsong (groin), Mathieu Bodmer (groin), François Clerc (knee) are sidelined due to injury while Anthony Reveillere is doubtful.
A Champions League exit would cost Liverpool upwards of £15million and leave this season facing ruin.
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