Liverpool are back in action on Thursday evening when they face Royal Union Saint-Gilloise in the Europa League at Anfield (20.00 BST).
The Reds head into the encounter against the backdrop of their maiden loss of the 2023-24 season. Jurgen Klopp’s side fell to a 2-1 reverse at Tottenham Hotspur, although the game was shrouded in VAR controversy while they ended the game with nine men.
Yet Liverpool will have still taken plenty of positives from defeat, with the performance further evidence that a Premier League top-four challenge will be mounted, having missed out on Champions League qualification last season.
It’s Europe’s second-tier competition that the Reds compete in this term but the Reds will be determined to go all the way. They made a straightforward start to their Group E campaign with a 3-1 win over LASK last month. Now they prepare for a first meeting in history against a Union side who are top of the Belgium league following a 3-1 win over Charleroi.
Ahead of the game, here’s the current injury situation for both sides.
1. Alessio Castro-Montes - return
The midfielder was absent for Union’s previous game but is named in their squad. Photo: KURT DESPLENTER/BELGA MAG/AFP via Getty Images
2. Loic Lapoussin - return
The midfielder was also not involved in Union’s win against Charleroi but is back involved. Photo: AURIE DIEFFEMBACQ/BELGA/AFP via Getty Images
3. Dennis Eckert - return
The striker scored seven goals for Union this season. He has missed the previous four matches but returns to the squad. A big boost. Photo: BRUNO FAHY/Belga/AFP via Getty Images
4. Guillaume Francois - out
The defender has not been included in Union’s Europa League squad but has travelled. Photo: CLAESSEN/BELGA MAG/AFP via Getty Images