Liverpool team news: Injury, suspension list vs. Preston North End

Fresh from an unforgettable mauling of bitter rivals Manchester United on Sunday, Liverpool quickly return to action on Wednesday when they face Championship side Preston North End in the EFL Cup last 16 at Deepdale.

Jurgen Klopp's side remain unbeaten across all competitions this season, and have been in particularly prolific form away from home with 30 goals in their eight outings on their travels in 2021-22.

However, their record in domestic cup competitions under Klopp has been largely underwhelming, and they head into Wednesday's match facing a shortage in central midfield.

Here, Sports Mole provides the latest on all of Liverpool's injury and suspension news ahead of the contest.

© Reuters

Status: Out Type of injury: Hamstring Possible return date: November 20 (vs. Arsenal)

James Milner lasted less than half an hour against Manchester United before being forced off with a hamstring injury. Klopp confirmed after the match that the veteran was struggling before a final sprint exacerbated the problem, and he will now be sidelined until after the next international break.

© Reuters

Status: Out Type of injury: Shin Possible return date: October 30 (vs. Brighton & Hove Albion)

Naby Keita found himself on the end of a nasty two-footed challenge from Paul Pogba which earned the Manchester United man a red card and left the Guinea midfielder needing to be stretchered off. The injury is not as serious as first feared, but Keita will not be available for Wednesday.

© Reuters

Status: Out Type of injury: Knee Possible return date: October 30 (vs. Brighton & Hove Albion)

Liverpool's midfield options had already been depleted before the injuries to Milner and Keita, with Fabinho missing the trip to Old Trafford entirely due to a knock he picked up against Atletico Madrid. The Brazilian's knee injury is not serious, but he will not be risked by Klopp against lower-league opposition.

© Reuters

Status: Out Type of injury: Calf Possible return date: November 3 (vs. Atletico Madrid)

Thiago Alcantara remains sidelined with a calf injury he sustained last month, but he is now close to a return to training and could be back available for next week's Champions League tie with Atletico Madrid.

© Reuters

Status: Out Type of injury: Ankle Possible return date: Unknown

Harvey Elliott's serious ankle injury earlier in the season was a major blow for the youngster after such a promising start to the campaign, but he is now expected to feature again in 2021-22.

© Reuters

Status: Major doubt Type of injury: Illness Possible return date: October 27 (vs. Preston)

Caoimhin Kelleher may have been in line to start on Wednesday ordinarily, but he missed out at the weekend due to illness and remains a major doubt for this game just three days later.

Liverpool have no players suspended for this match.