Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp insists the League Cup quarter-final against Leeds is no time to take risks with his selection despite injuries beginning to mount.
Playmaker Philippe Coutinho is absent with suspected ankle ligament damage, fellow Brazilian Roberto Firmino is nursing a calf problem from Saturday’s victory over Sunderland while Daniel Sturridge is not yet training with the team after a similar problem forced him to sit out the weekend.
Midfielder Adam Lallana’s groin injury rules him out while Klopp is also missing striker Danny Ings, who is sidelined for the season with a knee ligament injury.
The Reds boss made 11 changes in the last round against Tottenham but the only change he would confirm he would be making was goalkeeper Simon Mignolet coming in for Loris Karius.
Coutinho’s absence is a blow but there was no guarantee he would have featured against Leeds anyway.
“The best thing would be for him not to be out, but it is not really likely,” Klopp said. “We have to wait for the scan and then we will know.
“When you are in the rhythm it is different but we are not in this rhythm. You need to listen to the players and figure out if they are ready or not.
“It is not allowed to take any risks. It is about having a line-up which can stand the intensity of the game because Leeds are in a really good moment.
“They are a football-playing side and they will force us into a lot of things so we need to work hard in these games so the players need to be fit for this.
“We don’t want to rest somebody who doesn’t need a rest. It is possible we make a few changes; it is possible we will play nearly the same team.
“For sure, if nothing happens, Simon (Mignolet) will play.”
One player who is likely to get his reward is Divock Origi, who came off the bench following Coutinho’s injury to score his first Premier League goal since April.
Programme
Today: 20.45 Hull City vs Newcastle United; Liverpool vs Leeds United.
Tomorrow: 20.45 Arsenal vs South-ampton. 21.00 Manchester United vs West Ham United.