"Maybe Milner will start" - Mark Lawrenson on Champions League final

Former Liverpool defender Mark Lawrenson believes that there is a possibility James Milner will start against Real Madrid in the Champions League final.

The club's first-choice holding midfielder Fabinho is a doubt for the fixture, which is taking place in Paris on Saturday, because of a hamstring injury.

With that being the case, Lawrenson believes that there is a slim chance Milner could start against Real Madrid if the Brazil international does not recover in time.

“I think Fabinho is struggling as well, up until yesterday I don’t think he’s been on the training ground, so he’s another one that is a worry for them. (Naby) Keita is ok and (Jordan) Henderson will be in there obviously,” he told Off The Ball (14:14).

“Milner, could he start the Champions League final?” Lawrenson was then asked.

He said: “I don’t think so, although you never know with (Jurgen) Klopp. He trusts him, so maybe that’s what he wants when he looks at the other players and thinks let’s just be solid in midfield and be difficult to play against and let the front three do their bit against Real Madrid. I don’t know who else he could play in all honesty, I don’t think he’ll throw the kids in, so maybe Milner will start."

Anfield Watch Verdict

Milner is a very experienced player. He has played at the top level for almost 20 years.

So, if Fabinho is not fit enough to start against Real Madrid, we would not be surprised to see Milner play.

But, we really do hope that the Brazilian recovers in time. Fabinho is a key cog in Klopp's side.

The holding midfielder has been in good form this season. Fabinho has been averaging a WhoScored player rating of 6.96 across the 2021-22 campaign.

So, it would be brilliant if he was available to start against Real Madrid.