Jurgen Klopp vows to field strong Liverpool side in League Cup

Both players missed Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Bristol City due to calf injuries and it is hoped they will be back in contention when Blackburn visit the iPro Stadium at the weekend.

But they turn their attentions back towards the cup, as they look to repeat the run which saw Jürgen Klopp’s charges reach the final of the same competition just four months into his reign last season.

“Danny is working hard and good, but the situation is like it is, we have a lot of strikers”, Klopp stated at a news conference ahead of the EFL Cup encounter with Derby County. Liverpool set up a date with Derby after hammering Burton Albion 5-0 in the second round, while Derby County won a thrilling penalty contest, where they emerged victorious 14-13.

“We have to go there with big hearts and be willing to fight, but I’m sure if we do this we can win, for sure”.

The 26-year-old French global has returned to training but the German mentor says while he may be physically fit, he insists the centre-back is not match-fit.

Andreas Weimann could feature after recovering from a knee problem but Ikechi Anya and Matej Vydra, on loan from Watford, are cup tied.

Joe Gomez and Sheyi Ojo remain sidelined for the Reds.

Steven Gerrard was my favourite player growing up and I followed him quite closely.

The focal point of Derby’s buildup is likely to be youngster Will Hughes, who has been the star of Derby’s previous campaigns. The Rams have flirted with promotion for a while, being regularly involved at the top of the Championship table but a horrid start to the season is likely to mean that Nigel Pearson will have his work cut out.

Liverpool are high on confidence as they registered a 2-1 victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Derby have lost 21 of their last 26 matches against Liverpool in all competitions (W3 D2).