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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Paul Gorst

Thiago makes Champions League debut for Liverpool as three return from injury

Thiago Alcantara makes his first Liverpool appearance in the Champions League as the Reds meet RB Leipzig in Hungary.

The Spain midfielder hasn't featured in Europe's premier competition since starring in last season's final for Bayern Munich, but comes into the side to face Leipzig in the last-16 tie.

Dropping out of the team is James Milner, who was replaced by Thiago during the first half of Saturday's 3-1 defeat to Leicester through injury.

That is the only change for Jurgen Klopp, who has resisted the opportunity to give fit-again Ben Davies a debut at centre-back alongside fellow deadline day signing Ozan Kabak.

Instead, the former Preston North End centre-back is named on the substitutes' bench as Liverpool play their first-ever game at the Puskas Stadium in Budapest.

It means captain Jordan Henderson continues at centre-back alongside Kabak, who, like Thiago, also makes his Champions League debut for the 2019 winners.

Divock Origi is also back among the subs, along with keeper Caoimhin Kelleher.

Liverpool: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Kabak, Henderson, Robertson; Wijnaldum, Thiago, Jones; Salah, Firmino, Mane. #RBLLIV #UCL

Subs: Adrian, Kelleher, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Origi, Tsimikas, Shaqiri, Davies, R. Williams, Phillips, Cain, Clarkson, N. Williams, Origi.

Leipzig: Gulacsi, Mukiele, Klostermann, Upamecano, Angelino, Adams, Haidara, Kampl, Nkunku, Dani Olmo, Sabitzer.

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