Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp will warmly welcome back captain Virgil van Dijk on Thursday’s Europa League Group E match against LASK Linz.

The Dutchman has served a two-game domestic suspension for bad behaviour, as well as a £100,000 fine, and his fresh legs might be used immediately.

However, Thiago Alcantara’s hip injury is set to keep him out, while Klopp is concerned about the fitness of vice-captain Trent Alexander-Arnold, whose hamstring is bothering him.

With a Premier League match against high-flying West Ham United on the horizon this weekend, Klopp will be expected to keep Alexander-Arnold on the bench, allowing Joe Gomez to redeem himself at right-back after being ran ragged by Pedro Neto at Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Following a great full debut at Molineux, albeit one cut short due to cramps, Jarell Quansah could be given another chance to impress alongside Van Dijk, especially with Ibrahima Konate only recently returning from a thigh injury.

Kostas Tsimikas at left-back should also get a rare start, as will second-choice goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, with Alisson Becker dropping to the bench.

A much-changed midfield will likely see Ryan Gravenberch start alongside Harvey Elliott and Wataru Endo, who should take over the number six role from Stefan Bajcetic, who has yet to play any minutes this season.

Following their late returns from South America, Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez were both named as substitutes against Wolves, but only the former could return to the starting XI here due to Nunez’s recent muscular injury.

Diogo Jota could lead the attack, while 17-year-old protégé Ben Doak might go in for Mohamed Salah if Klopp gives the Egyptian a well-deserved rest.

Liverpool possible starting lineup: Kelleher; Gomez, Quansah, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Elliott, Endo, Gravenberch; Doak, Jota, Diaz