Liverpool team news: £32.5m summer signing unlikely to be risked for Europa League clash, midfield duo poised to return

Posted by

Liverpool striker Christian Benteke is set to be left out of the squad travelling to France for their Europa League group stage opener against Bordeaux on Thursday night, Mirror Sport reports.

The former Aston Villa powerhouse, who joined the Reds in the summer for a fee believed to be in the region of £32.5million, is likely to left at home as manager Brendan Rodgers wants the Belgian international fresh for their Premier League fixture against Norwich City at the weekend.

Benteke netted his second goal for the club during the 3-1 defeat at the hands of bitter rivals Manchester United last Saturday as his brilliant spectacular acrobatic effort flew past David de Gea and gave the visitors brief hope of rescuing a point at Old Trafford.

His absence against the Ligue 1 outfit is likely to see compatriot Divock Origi make his first start for the club, while the fit-again Adam Lallana and influential midfielder Philippe Coutinho, who missed the game against the Red Devils through suspension, could also feature at the Matmut Atlantique stadium.

SEE ALSO:
Liverpool legend left ‘dejected’ by performance vs Manchester United
Liverpool FLOP only learnt ONE WORD of English at Anfield
Former Liverpool star ACCUSES Anfield legend of racism

More Stories Adam Lallana Christian Benteke Divock Origi Philippe Coutinho