Football
Glenn Price, Liverpool correspondent 7y

Karius to start in goal for Liverpool, as Klopp hints Coutinho could play role

LIVERPOOL -- Jurgen Klopp has confirmed that Loris Karius will start in goal for Liverpool against Sevilla on Wednesday night, while hinting Philippe Coutinho could be involved at Anfield.

Simon Mignolet has started in goal for all but one of Liverpool's games this season after he was named as the No. 1 keeper in the summer.

However, Karius, who played in the recent 4-0 victory over Arsenal, looks set to begin Liverpool's Group E Champions League campaign between the sticks ahead of Mignolet.

Speaking at his Sevilla prematch news conference, Klopp was asked about the goalkeeping situation and said: "What I can say if nothing happens overnight, Loris Karius will play tomorrow. That's the truth."

Coutinho, meanwhile, has not played for the Reds at all this campaign after his attempts to force through a move to Barcelona.

The playmaker has returned to full training at Melwood since participating for Brazil in the recent international break, but was left out of the squad for the 5-0 defeat to Manchester City on the weekend.

"I'm sure all the Liverpool fans are ready to wait another 24 hours!" Klopp said. "He is fit, he is healthy but all other information about the lineup, you'll have to wait until tomorrow."

Mohamed Salah was absent from training on Tuesday afternoon due to illness, but is expected to be fit for the Sevilla opener.

Salah reported to Liverpool's Melwood training ground on Tuesday, only to be sent home as a precaution.

Klopp revealed: "[Salah] was in and said he could train, the doc said he could train, but when I asked the doc what would be best for him him and he said if he didn't have to train because he had a bit of a sore throat.

"It should not be too serious, but we sent him home so that he could not spread the virus -- if there's a virus. In this moment, we expect him back tomorrow morning for normal training."

Liverpool comprehensively dismantled their last European opponents who visited Anfield, beating Hoffenheim 4-2 in the second leg of a playoff back in August.

Hoffenheim manager Julian Nagelmann said his team played "like headless chickens" at Anfield, but Sevilla boss Eduardo Berizzo is confident his side will rise to the challenge in an intense environment.

"Players of a certain level and personality grow when they come to an atmosphere and stadium like this," the Argentine said. "They gain in strength.

"Few times in your career do you get a chance to come and play in front of an atmosphere like this. I think it's something to behold and enjoy.

"I count on players in my squad that are very brave, very honest. I've got a lots of character and personality in my team. I hope we play to the best of our ability tomorrow."

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