Make-or-break time for injury-hit Liverpool

LONDON: Liverpool head for a decisive Champions League clash at Olympique Lyon on Wednesday with 10 players injured or doubtful for the game and coach Rafa Benitez facing the biggest crisis in his five-year Anfield reign.

Benitez hopes to have close-season signing Alberto Aquilani available but his midfield will be without captain Steven Gerrard (groin) and Albert Riera (hamstring) while defenders Martin Kelly (ankle) and Martin Skrtel (muscle) are also out.

Liverpool have lost six of their past seven matches in all competitions, including the 2-1 home defeat by Lyon two weeks ago, and their hopes of reaching the knockout stage will be hanging by a thread if they lose at Stade Gerland.