Liverpool v Hoffenheim: Coutinho and Sturridge OUT of Klopp's sqaud
GETTY Philippe Coutinho not in Liverpool squad for Hoffenheim trip
Coutinho's future at Anfield remains the subject of considerable speculation. He handed in a transfer request last week after Liverpool rejected two bids from Barcelona and issued a statement saying he would not be sold. The Brazilian's absence from the squad was not a surprise, however, given that he has not been training due to a back injury and also did not feature against Watford on Saturday. While Sturridge missed Liverpool's Premier League opener at Watford after suffering a thigh injury in pre-season but there was hope he could feature against Hoffenheim.
GETTY Daniel Sturridge not fit to face Hoffenheim
It now appears the game has come too soon for the injury-plagued striker, with the 27-year-old not included in Jurgen Klopp's 22-man travelling squad. Klopp admitted after Liverpool's 3-3 draw with Watford that he has no control over Coutinho's future. Asked about the Brazilian's situation, Klopp said: "As a manager of a football club, I have bosses that decide, for example, just in general, if we sell a player or we don't sell him.
Liverpool players arrive at the airport for Hoffenheim flight Mon, August 14, 2017 Click to reveal the best snaps of the Liverpool squad jetting out to Hoffenheim Play slideshow CHRIS NEILL/MAVERICK PHOTOGRAPHY 1 of 11 Click to reveal the best snaps of Liverpool stars at the airport
Philippe Coutinho and Daniel Sturridge not in Liverpool squad