Former Arsenal centre-half turned pundit, Martin Known, has claimed that the absence of Alfredo Morelos for the second leg in Portugal against Braga may not be as hard felt as some may think.
Speaking on the BT Sports Europa League highlight programme and reported in The Daily Record, Keown explains who he thinks could step in for the Colombian international.
So what has Keown said?
When asked to comment on the striker’s booking for reacting to a free-kick being awarded against him, Keown said:
“He (Morelos) is so important to what they do.”
“We know he’s ill-disciplined. He’s an angry man, love him or hate him that’s the full package.”
“They are going to be without him but the good news is Defoe is back in training this week. I know he’s 37 but he’s got three in the last four so maybe he can catch them on the break with a finish.”
So is Keown correct?
Jermain Defoe may be back in training but the Braga game might just come a week too early for the former England international, plus because of the success that Florian Kamberi had against the Portuguese side’s high line, Steven Gerrard would probably have chosen the on-loan player even if the diminutive striker was fully fit.
Defoe recently pledged his future to the Light Blues but they were forced into the transfer market to secure Kamberi’s signature after the Englishman suffered a hamstring injury against Ross County which has seen him miss the last few weeks.
Who should replace Morelos against Braga in the second-leg?
Defoe
Kamberi
Stewart
He has an impressive scoring record despite largely being used to cover for Morelos or as an impact substitute off the bench but it would be highly unlikely that Gerrard would risk him so soon after returning to training, he will be a useful addition to the squad but the direct style of play that the Ibrox gaffer adopted – and worked so well – for the last half hour of the first leg is unlikely to suit the penalty box goalsmith.