Liverpool's preparations for this weekend's Merseyside derby have suffered a blow after defender Jose Enrique was ruled out with a long-term knee injury which is likely to require surgery. The Spaniard's been struggling with the problem for some time and has featured just twice in the Reds' last five matches, with one of those appearances a 30-minute substitute appearance.
There has been further disruption behind the scenes as academy director Frank McParland and head of coaching Rodolfo Borrell have both been removed from their posts. The club declined to comment on the changes in the youth set-up at their Kirkby base but it is believed the pair have been sacked. McParland had previously served as Liverpool's chief scout while Borrell had 13 years experience with Barcelona's La Masia academy upon his arrival on Merseyside. Both were remnants of the Rafael Benitez era, having been appointed to the academy in 2009, and were perceived to be doing a good job.
