Liverpool and Chelsea transfer target Alex Teixeira is injured, confirms Shakhtar Donetsk coach
Liverpool and Chelsea transfer target Alex Teixeira has suffered an injury which forced him to miss Shakhtar Donetsk's game in the Florida Cup on Wednesday, according to coach Mircea Lucescu.
The Shakhtar boss confirmed the news following his side's match with Corinthians as news emerged that Liverpool chief executive Ian Ayre flew to the USA to start negotiations with the Ukrainian side over a move for Teixeira.
The Reds are believed to have had an opening bid of £23million rejected by Shakhtar for the 26-year-old, who has also attracted the interest of Chelsea this season.
Speaking about why he chose to omit Teixeira from his team on Wednesday, Lucescu said: "Teixeira was injured during yesterday morning's workout. I decided not to risk it and rest him.
"Bernard, Eduardo, Azevedo and also failed to take part in the match. Four important players. But I think we played a good game, despite the absence of these performers."
Despite interest from Liverpool this week, Teixeira has admitted on several occasions he is happy to be linked with Chelsea and, prior to Jose Mourinho departing the Blues in December, the forward said he hoped the Portuguese coach wouldn't leave the club.
"[Mourinho] is the world's best. I'll learn a lot. Hope he doesn't leave Chelsea. I want to work with him and have great success," he said in November, weeks before Mourinho was sacked by the champions.
"I don't know if it was Mourinho who suggested me to Chelsea, but I read that he was keeping an eye on my football."
ArticleTeixeira suffers injury as Liverpool table £23m bidLiverpool FCAlex TeixeiraChelsea F.c.Shakhtar DonetskMircea LucescuLiverpool and Chelsea transfer target Alex Teixeira is injured, confirms Shakhtar Donetsk coachAlex Teixeira to Chelsea: Liverpool fly out to hijack deal for £30m Shakhtar Donetsk midfielderPublishedImageMedium width1Thursday, January 21, 2016 - 16:02Injury: Alex Teixeira (left) missed Shakhtar's game with Corinthians after suffering an issue in trainingOn