Coutinho not in Liverpool squad for trip to Germany

Jurgen Klopp has left out Brazilian midfielder, Phillipe Coutinho for
their trip to Germany, where they would face Hoffenheim in the first
leg of the Uefa Champions League play-off.

25 year old submitted a transfer request last week after Liverpool
formally declared that they would not consider any bid for him. This
was followed the rejection of a bid £90m from Barcelona.

Although, Jurgen Klopp had earlier ruled him out of Tuesday's match,
because of a back injury. He wasn't available for the Red's opening
league match against Watford.

It is not entirely clear whether his being excluded from the party to
Germany is linked to his injury or the transfer saga.

As for those that made the trip to Germany, the Brazilian is not the
only major absentee, Adam Lallana and Daniel Sturridge are both out
injured.

Speaking about the situation, Jurgen Klopp had this to say.

"Nothing has changed. Not on one side or on the other," he said in
respect of Coutinho's future.

"He is not available for us in the moment, that's the main issue if
you want. He cannot play for Liverpool in this moment and, how
everybody can imagine, that's quite a blow for us.

"We've known for a few days about it so we can prepare this game
without him, like we have to prepare the game without Adam Lallana and
Daniel Sturridge."

Liverpool Squad to face Hoffenheim:

Alexander-Arnold, Moreno, Lovren, Milner, Wijnaldum, Henderson, Can,
Mane, Salah, Firmino, Kent, Solanke, Origi, Gomez, Klavan, Flanagan,
Robertson, Matip, Grujic, Mignolet, Karius, Ward.