Liverpool starlet could make first appearance of the season against LASK

Liverpool face LASK at Anfield on Thursday night hoping to secure passage to the Europa League knockout rounds.

Despite fluffing their lines against Toulouse last time out, the Reds need just a point from their last two games to guarantee a place in the next phase, leaving relatively little pressure on the game against the Austrians who sit bottom of Group E.

With Liverpool facing eight games in a testing December schedule, including three in the space of a week at the start of the month, Jurgen Klopp will be happy to take up the option of rotating his squad on Thursday to keep his players fit.

In his programme notes, Klopp hinted at changes saying: “Whoever is selected [to play tonight], the challenge remains the same and that is to carry on with the good work that has already been done.

“We knew at the start of the season that we would need every player and every person associated with the team to step up when required and this is especially true during a period when we will have a lot of games.

“As ever, we will do this together with each individual being part of the Liverpool collective. This isn’t just the best way – it is the only way. Hopefully it will be good enough tonight.”

READ MORE: Liverpool vs LASK – Predicted Lineup

Caoimhin Kelleher was always set to start in goal for the Europa League tie, regardless of Alisson's injury, while youngsters Jarell Quansah, Ben Doak and, possibly even, Luke Chambers can expect game time here.

Those three were all part of the 25-man group who trained on Wednesday in preparation for the game, while there were also two other youngsters in the squad who have yet to feature this season but could earn game time at Anfield.

Returns from injury hell

Right back Conor Bradley and forward Kaide Gordon both stepped up their returns as part of training and are eligible to feature on Thursday.

20-year-old Northern Ireland international Bradley has been out since the summer when he suffered a stress fracture in his back, but has been tipped to provide backup for Trent Alexander-Arnold at right back once fully fit.

Meanwhile, 19-year-old Gordon is recovering from over a year and a half out with a pelvic issue.

The forward has featured for the Under-21s this season as he continues on the path to full fitness but – like Bradley – is yet to be part of matchday squad for the senior side.

The England youth international was tipped for a bright future when he signed for the Reds from Derby back in 2021 and even made four appearances during the 2021/22 campaign.

His goal in the FA Cup against Shrewsbury, aged 17 years and 96 days, confirmed him as Liverpool's all-time youngest scorer in that competition and second youngest overall.

With the Reds likely to want to give a valuable rest to the likes of Mohamed Salah in attack, Gordon – if fit enough – could be in line for a first-team cameo against LASK over 22 months on from his last senior outing.