Milner missed win over West Ham as a ‘precaution’, claims journalist

James Milner was ruled out of Liverpool’s win over West Ham as a ‘precaution’, according to the Independent’s Melissa Reddy on Twitter.

The Reds went one step closer to Premier League glory on Monday night, seeing off the Hammers 3-2 at Anfield.

They had to do it without Milner, though, who joined skipper Jordan Henderson on the sidelines.

Prior to kick off, Reddy confirmed that the 34-year-old had a ‘slight muscle strain’, hence his lack of involvement in the game:

#LFC starting XI v #WHUFC: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Van Dijk, Robertson, Fabinho, Wijnaldum, Keita, Salah, Mane, Firmino

Subs: Adrian, Matip, Lovren, Lallana, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Minamino, Origi

Milner [slight muscle strain] left out as a precaution

— Melissa Reddy (@MelissaReddy_) February 24, 2020

Read Liverpool Verdict

Milner was missed in Monday’s victory, with Jurgen Klopp making it clear before the game he likes to have either him or Henderson on the pitch, given their leadership and ability to be a “speaker”.

The midfielder has only started six times in the Premier League this season, but usually impresses when given the opportunity, recording match ratings of 7.1 and 7.14 against Watford and Sheffield United respectively – two games in which he played 90 minutes.

Liverpool’s midfield lacked urgency and a voice, until Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain made a noticeable difference in the second half.

While the likes of Milner and Henderson aren’t necessarily the most technically gifted members of this Reds squad, their influence is undeniable, dragging the team through some games and leading by example.