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European champions' bodyguard Momo Sissoko had to stay in Lisbon, where he played the UEFA Champions League round of 16 match against local side "Benfica" due to an injured eye.
In the match, after playing for half an hour fighting for the ball, "Benfica" goalkeeper Beto lifted his leg too high and hit M. Sissoko in the face. After this incident, Beto received a yellow card, and M. Sissoko was carried off the field on a stretcher - instead of him, German Dietmar Hamann appeared on the field.
After examinations at the Lisbon hospital, it was revealed that the Mali national team's bodyguard would not be allowed to fly back to Liverpool with the team.
"This is a serious eye injury and Momo will have to stay in the hospital overnight so he can be monitored and undergo further tests," a club representative said. "The team doctor and one of the physiotherapists stayed in Portugal and will only return to England with the player."
On Tuesday's match in Lisbon, "Benfica" won by a minimal score when with six minutes left before the end of the match, Brazilian Luisao scored a goal with his head.
The second leg of the Champions League round of 16 matches will be played on March 8.
