Premier League giants Liverpool have been handed a massive boost ahead of their upcoming Champions League round 16 tie with Bayern Munich.
UEFA announced via The Sportsman, the suspension of German international Thomas Muller for two games after engaging in a clash with Nicholas Tagliafico in the Bavarian’s 3-3 draw with AFC Ajax last month and as given a Red card for the offence.
UEFA have suspended @esmuellert_ for two @ChampionsLeague games following his red card against Ajax. #FCBayern will appeal the decision. pic.twitter.com/cPdPLkDlSR
— FC Bayern English (@FCBayernEN) January 11, 2019
The German World Cup winner took to his Twitter handle to clear the air about the challenge saying:
“I would like to apologise to Nico Tagliafico, the ‘foul’ wasn’t intentional. Get Well.”
The centre-forward has netted five goals and six assists in 25 games so far this season and his absence would be a slap-on-the-face for the Bundesliga champions.
Back when the draw for round of 16 was made, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp said his side facing Bayern is a difficult one but he would be looking forward to the challenge. He said:
“Difficult….a good draw. It was clear it would be difficult and they are obviously a top side. For me, its nice going to Germany but it’s just the draw.”
“So we now have time to prepare the game, a lot of time obviously, and hopefully we have all our players available then. And I am looking forward to it.
“This is a different Bayern than what I played, we are already for three years (and) since the Audi cup. We all know the Stadium; the atmosphere will be great. It’s a really nice trip for all our supporters, it’s a wonderful city, so that’s all good.”