Liverpool cut player from Europa League squad ahead of Sparta Prague tie

Liverpool have cut a player from their Europa League squad ahead of their tie against Sparta Prague.

Liverpool resume their European venture next week as they face Sparta in the last-16.

The Reds travel to Czech Republic on March 7 before hosting their counterparts on March 14.

And ahead of taking on Sparta, Jurgen Klopp has updated his Europa League squad.

According to Liverpool Echo, He has dropped Joel Matip, who has been ruled out for the rest of the season after suffering an ACL injury in December.

Matip made 14 appearances in all competitions this season before picking up an injury. He played three games in the Europa League.

Adrian, who hasn't played a game this season, takes the defender's spot in Liverpool's Europa League squad.

Klopp adds another goalkeeper to his squad, with Alisson currently sidelined with a hamstring injury.

Caoimhin Kelleher has since deputised and shone in his side's Carabao Cup triumph against Chelsea.

Kelleher will likely start in goal when Liverpool face Sparta.

Joel Matip in action for Liverpool in the Europa League. Image: Getty

On being drawn against the Czech team, Klopp said: "The first thing to say is that at this stage of European competition it makes sense to expect a proper test and this is what we have got.

"Sparta Prague earned their place in the last 16 with a sensational game and result against Galatasaray. I have no doubt it was a special night for them and now they will want to continue their run.

"There is not too much time before we meet, but hopefully we can arrive there in a good condition because that is exactly what we will need."

The German boss added: "The Czech league tells us what a good season Sparta are having - I am pretty sure they have lost only once - so we will have to be ready.

"There is a lot of football to be played before then, of course, and we will take each game as it comes, but in the back of our minds we will also know that we have another exciting Europa League tie to look forward to."

Topics: Liverpool, Jurgen Klopp, Football, Europa League

Nasir Jabbar

Nasir Jabbar is a journalist at SPORTbible. He graduated from Bath Spa University with a BA in Media Communications. He's a combat sport aficionado and has contributed to MMA websites AddictedMMA and CagePotato. Nasir has covered some of the biggest fights, while interviewing the likes of Conor McGregor, Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury and Darren Till. He's also an avid Bristol City fan.

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