Taking no risks! Liverpool leave four key players behind for Union Saint-Gilloise Europa League trip as Jurgen Klopp keeps eyes on Man Utd showdown

Liverpool have named a 23-man squad for Thursday's final Europa League group game against Union. The Reds have already secured their place in the next round as group winners, allowing Klopp the luxury of being able to rest some of his big-hitters ahead of a clash with bitter rivals Manchester United in the Premier League on Sunday at Anfield.

Key Liverpool stars Van Dijk, Alexander-Arnold, Salah, and goalkeeper Alisson will all miss the Europa League trip and have been granted a rare midweek breather. Klopp has also called up a host of youngsters including Luke Chambers, Ben Doak, Conor Bradley, Kaide Gordon, Tom Hill, Lewis Koumas, James McConnell and Calum Scanlon, who will all be hoping for the chance of some valuable first-team minutes.

Thursday's game will not take place at Union SG's 9,400-seater home ground but will instead be played at Anderlecht's Lotto Park, which can hold 21,000 supporters. The Stade Joseph Marien failed to meet UEFA requirements, which saw Union SG decide to move European fixtures to Anderlecht's ground instead.

Klopp's squad selection comes as no real surprise as the Reds are facing some crunch fixtures before Christmas. Liverpool host an injury-ravaged Manchester United and will be aiming to maintain top spot in the Premier League. Klopp's side then face an EFL quarter-final aginst West Ham before a top-of-the-table league clash with Arsenal on December 23.