Liverpool Ready to Take on LASK in Europa League Opener
Liverpool are back in Europe for the first time since their Champions League victory in 2019, and they will be looking to start their Europa League campaign with a win when they face LASK on Thursday evening. Jurgen Klopp has 23 senior players at his disposal for the occasion, and he will be hoping to get off to a winning start in Group E.
The Reds have been in good form so far this season, having won four of their opening five Premier League games, but Klopp will be aware that the two games in a week will test his squad’s depth. He will also have one eye on the meeting with West Ham less than 72 hours after the final whistle.
Liverpool’s Injury List
Klopp has a number of fitness issues to contend with ahead of the game. Trent Alexander-Arnold is absent from training and will not be available for selection due to a hamstring injury. Thiago is yet to make his return from the hip injury which has kept him out since April, and Stefan Bajcetic is in contention having recorded 26 minutes on international duty with Spain U21s.
Conor Bradley is still out with a long-term back problem that is likely to keep him sidelined until at least November. Adrian is fit and did train with the side ahead of the contest, but he was left out of Klopp’s Europa League squad and is, therefore, not eligible to play on Thursday.
Liverpool’s Available Squad vs. LASK
Klopp has plenty of options available to him for the game. In goal, Alisson and Caoimhin Kelleher are both fit and available, while Vitezslav Jaros provides cover. The defence is bolstered by the return of Virgil van Dijk and Joel Matip, while Ozan Kabak and Nat Phillips provide cover.
In midfield, Curtis Jones and Naby Keita are both fit and available, while Thiago Alcantara and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are still out injured. Further forward, Diogo Jota is fit and available, while Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane provide further attacking options.
Liverpool’s Chances of Success
Liverpool have a strong squad available for the game against LASK, and they will be looking to start their Europa League campaign with a win. With the likes of Van Dijk, Salah and Mane in their ranks, they have more than enough quality to get the job done. However, Klopp will be aware that his side will need to be at their best if they are to come away with all three points.
The Reds have a good record against Austrian sides in Europe, having won their last four meetings. They will also be buoyed by their recent form in the Premier League, having won four of their opening five games. With that in mind, Liverpool will be confident of getting off to a winning start in Group E.
Conclusion
Liverpool are back in Europe for the first time since their Champions League victory in 2019, and they will be looking to start their Europa League campaign with a win when they face LASK on Thursday evening. Jurgen Klopp has 23 senior players at his disposal for the occasion, and he will be hoping to get off to a winning start in Group E.
The Reds have a strong squad available for the game against LASK, and they will be looking to start their Europa League campaign with a win. With the likes of Van Dijk, Salah and Mane in their ranks, they have more than enough quality to get the job done. However, Klopp will be aware that his side will need to be at their best if they are to come away with all three points.