Loris Karius hides face as dejected Liverpool stars arrive back in England following Champions League final defeat to Real Madrid
LORIS KARIUS shielded his face as Liverpool’s players arrived back in England after his Champions League final disaster against Real Madrid.
The German rolled the ball straight on to Karim Benzema’s leg for the opener before flapping at Gareth Bale’s long-range shot and watching it rebound into the net to make it 3-1.
Jurgen Klopp and his men looked crestfallen as they stepped off their jet at John Lennon Airport on Merseyside, before hopping on to a bus.
Many of his stars will have some time off before joining up with their national squads for the World Cup in Russia, starting on June 14.
There are doubts over whether Salah will be fit for Egypt’s first game against Uruguay on June 15, the second day of the tournament, but his national team are confident he will play.
If he misses it, Egypt then face Russia and Saudi Arabia in their next two games in a bid to qualify for the knock out stages.
The former Chelsea and Roma star has scored 44 goals for Liverpool this season during their march to the final in Kiev, but he lasted just 31 minutes after landing awkwardly on his shoulder as he was dragged down by Sergio Ramos.
Salah was replaced by Adam Lallana, but following a bright opening spell, Liverpool never regained their foothold in the game.
‘UTTERLY CLASSLESS’ Liverpool players slammed for not consoling Loris Karius following Champions League final horror show
Then came Karius’ first blunder of the night, which was briefly masked by Sadio Mane’s equaliser, but Gareth Bale’s moment of genius put Los Blancos back ahead.
Then the German keeper flapped at a long-range effort from Bale, spilling it into his own net and capping a humiliating night.
Liverpool had been tremendously impressive during the competition as a whole, with wins over Manchester City and Roma, as well as a 7-0 group-stage thumping of Spartak Moscow.
But the final was one-sided in the end, especially after the exit of Salah, with Real toasting an astounding 13th title.
Klopp said of Salah’s fitness: “I think it’s either the collarbone or the shoulder itself.
“So it doesn’t look good. Of course it was a big moment in the game.
“I know if you say something like that after the game you’re a bad loser but I thought it was a harsh challenge.”
