Thiago Alcantara, Naby Keita and Joel Matip will miss Liverpool's Champions League clash with Midtjylland, Jurgen Klopp has confirmed.
The trio have all been suffering with knocks in recent weeks, but were hopeful of a Reds return at Anfield on Tuesday night.
Liverpool take on Danish outfit Midtjylland in their second Group D game after beating Ajax 1-0 in Amsterdam last Wednesday.
But Klopp confirmed the trio will play no part in the fixture, telling the press: "They need a few more days [to recover]".
Klopp is taking no risks with his preparation for Liverpool's second group game, and was keen to point out Midtjylland are in the competition on their own merit.
"They are a bit more direct in their build up, really experienced defenders, speed on the wings, physicality up front. They have a clear plan," Klopp said of the Danish side.
"We need to show that we are ready for a proper fight.
"This is the Thomas Gronnemark [Liverpool's throw-in coach] group! We saw the influence of Thomas when we watched the videos of Midtjylland.
"He's a super guy who helped us a lot. Throw-ins are always a big part of our preparations for the games.
On Midtjylland, Klopp added: "You Danish guys need to work on your confidence!
"We don't see you as a small team. Midtjylland don't wave a white flag. They will come here and do everything that they can.
"How small or how big you are, you show in the games."
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