Philippe Coutinho not included in Liverpool squad for Hoffenheim clash

Philippe Coutinho has been left out of Liverpool's squad for the first leg of their Champions League playoff tie against Hoffenheim on Tuesday.

Coutinho, who has handed in a transfer request amid interest from Barcelona, missed Saturday's Premier League opener against Watford due to a back injury.

Sources told ESPN FC on Friday that the Brazil international had asked to leave Liverpool, but that the club are not considering selling him.

Liverpool's owners, Fenway Sports Group, had earlier released a statement on Friday saying no offers "will be considered" for Coutinho, who has already been the subject of two failed bids from Barcelona.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said on Friday ahead of the Watford game: ''I can't keep players happy. That's how life is. It's not about this at the moment. Phil is not available for us and that for me is the bigger issue. All the rest is just between me and all the boys, not just Phil.''

Daniel Sturridge, who also missed the 3-3 draw with Watford, is absent from the squad as he continues his recovery from a thigh injury.

Liverpool, who depart for Germany on Monday afternoon ahead of the first leg, are hoping to book their place in the Champions League group stage for the first time since the 2014-15 season.

The first leg at the Rhein-Neckar-Arena on Tuesday will be followed by the return game at Anfield next Wednesday.

Liverpool squad: Alexander-Arnold, Moreno, Lovren, Milner, Wijnaldum, Henderson, Can, Mane, Salah, Firmino, Kent, Solanke, Origi, Gomez, Klavan, Flanagan, Robertson, Matip, Grujic, Mignolet, Karius, Ward.

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