Eintracht Frankfurt suffer injury blow on eve of Liverpool clash

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Eintracht Frankfurt have been dealt a significant injury setback ahead of their crucial UEFA Champions League clash against Liverpool, with young right-back Elias Baum ruled out due to a thigh injury[2]. Baum, who is just 19 years old, is expected to remain sidelined until at least mid-November, leaving manager Dino Toppmöller with a selection headache as he prepares his side to face the Premier League giants[2]. The absence of Baum is a notable blow for Frankfurt’s defensive options, especially as they look to bounce back from a heavy defeat against Atlético Madrid in their previous Champions League outing[6].

The injury news adds to Frankfurt’s recent struggles, having won only one of their last five matches across all competitions, with their weekend draw against Freiburg further denting their Bundesliga top-four ambitions[6]. However, the German side can take some comfort from their strong home form in European competition, having won their last four European group or league phase matches at Deutsche Bank Park[6]. With Baum unavailable, Toppmöller may need to rely on squad depth or tactical adjustments to compensate for the loss at right-back.

Meanwhile, Liverpool are also facing their own injury concerns as they travel to Frankfurt. The Reds’ first-choice goalkeeper Alisson Becker remains out with a hamstring injury, while midfielders Ryan Gravenberch and Wataru Endo, along with defenders Giovanni Leoni and Ibrahima Konaté, are either doubtful or confirmed absentees for the midweek fixture[2]. Despite these setbacks, Liverpool manager Arne Slot has expressed confidence in his squad’s ability to cope, emphasizing the need for resilience as both teams seek to overturn recent poor form[2].

The match, therefore, sets the stage for a competitive encounter between two sides eager to regain momentum. Frankfurt’s injury woes, especially in defense, could prove pivotal against a Liverpool side desperate to end a rare run of four consecutive defeats[1][6]. With both teams missing key personnel, tactical ingenuity and squad rotation are likely to play a decisive role in this Champions League Group Stage showdown.