Karius To Start, Coutinho Fit To Play: Liverpool v Sevilla
LIVERPOOL, Sporting Alert — Loris Karius is set to start Liverpool’s Champions League clash against Sevilla on Wednesday night, while Philippe Coutinho could also be involved.
Karius was involved in the Reds’ progress through the playoff round and manager Jurgen Klopp confirmed that German goalkeeper will play in the Group E opener on home soil.
The 24-year-old has been given the nod ahead of Simon Mignolet.
“What I can say is, if nothing happens overnight, Loris Karius will play tomorrow,” Klopp said. “That’s true.”
Meanwhile, Coutinho, who recently returned to first-team training after missing the start of the season with injuries, will be available for selection after Klopp revealed he is healthy again.
Coutinho, who submitted a transfer request to force through a move to Barcelona in the summer transfer window, has apparently been bothered by a back injury and illness, although he was fit enough to feature twice and scored for Brazil in World Cup qualifiers.
Asked if the Brazilian playmaker would play against Sevilla in the home Champions League game at Anfield, Klopp said: “I could [give you an idea], but I’m sure all the Liverpool supporters around the world are ready to wait another 24 hours.
“He is fit, he is healthy. All other information about the line-up, I think, you have to wait until tomorrow.
“He is here [with] no [fitness issue].”
Liverpool who overcame Hoffenheim in the playoff stage, are drawn in Group E alongside Sevilla, Maribor and Spartak Moskva.
Meanwhile, despite seeing his three-match suspension appeal thrown out, Sadio Mane will be available for selection in the Champions League for the Reds.
The Liverpool forward was sent off in the Reds’ 5-0 defeat to Manchester City in the English Premier League over the weekend, but his playing time is only affected in FA run competitions.
