Liverpool v Maribor: Team news
Jürgen Klopp has confirmed one change to his Liverpool team for tonight's Champions League meeting with Maribor – but does not intend to rotate his XI significantly.
Having started each of the three previous Group E games, Loris Karius will once again be fielded in the Reds goal for the match against the Slovenian champions.
Philippe Coutinho, who was on the scoresheet when Klopp’s charges claimed a 7-0 win in Maribor last month, is a doubt for the return after missing the weekend success at home to Huddersfield Town in the Premier League.
“To be honest, it doesn’t look like,” the manager told Liverpoolfc.com on Tuesday when asked if the Brazilian could be involved, though he stopped short of ruling his No.10 out for certain.
“Yesterday he was on the pitch running. Everything looks good, but not sure. We’ll see.”
The Reds must also assess Dejan Lovren, who was a late withdrawal due to a thigh injury last Saturday, plus fellow defenders Joe Gomez and Alberto Moreno.
Ultimately, Klopp plans to select the strongest line-up available to him, with squad rotation not part of his decision-making process for the tie.
“That’s absolutely not [the case]. I don’t think we have to rest players – we will not. It’s not about rotation, it’s about who gives me the best impression,” he said.
Maribor’s preparations have been affected by travel issues.
Technical problems with their plane meant Darko Milanic’s team had to endure a delay that eventually denied them the chance to train at Anfield on the eve of the game as planned.
“We had done that part of the training session which was necessary for tactical preparation already here in Maribor,” said Milanic, whose 22-man squad does not include the injured Luka Zahovic or Denis Sme.
Jasmin Mesanovic was on target in a 1-0 win at Domzale on Saturday, increasing his tally for the current season to eight in all competitions, though none have yet come in the Champions League.