Liverpool fields youthful lineup against LASK with Tsimikas captaining

Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola has named a highly youthful starting lineup for the Champions League fixture against LASK in Austria. Due to injuries and a congested match schedule, the squad features an average age of approximately 24 years, making it one of the youngest starting XIs in the club’s European history.

Club captain Virgil van Dijk has been relegated to the substitutes' bench. Iraola stated the decision was made to allow the defender rest during an intense period of playing every three days. Kostas Tsimikas will captain the side in place of Van Dijk.

The starting lineup includes several academy players and young talents, such as Trey Nyoni, Rio Ngumoha, and Lewis Koumas. The team also features Florian Wirtz and Ronald Araujo, as the club manages absences from senior players including Cody Gakpo and Alexander Isak.