Despite having the best record in European competition of any English club, Liverpool’s modern team are heading into uncharted territory this week.
The Reds have not played in the knockout stages of the Champions League since 2009, having failed to regularly finish in the top four or be able to compete with the continent’s elite.
All that will change on Wednesday, however, when Liverpool take on Porto in the first leg of their last 16 clash.
Liverpool’s current team are heading into uncharted European football territory this week
The Reds have not played in the knockout stages of the Champions League since 2009
All that will change on Wednesday when Liverpool take on Porto in the first leg of their clash
Manager Jurgen Klopp led his team out to Portugal on Tuesday, and they were seen boarding the flight to Porto from Liverpool John Lennon airport.
Klopp has a close to fully fit squad available to him, with star men including Mo Salah and Roberto Firmino present.
Liverpool left back Andrew Robertson believes forwards Salah and Firmino will be the ones who determine whether they progress to the quarter finals and beyond.
Jurgen Klopp has a close to fully fit squad available to him, including star man Mo Salah
Adam Lallana is full fit again and is in the squad, here he chats with team mate Danny Ings
Liverpool flew out to Portugal from overcast John Lennon airport on Tuesday afternoon
Robertson said: ‘They’re the ones putting us in front. From game to game it’ll always change, but yeah, they’re the ones who are getting the chances, and luckily they’re taking them just now.
‘They do some sensational stuff in training, but you’ve seen the best of them out on the pitch. They’re doing it week-in, week-out, and when one of them is struggling, the other one pops up.’
Goalkeepers Loris Karius and Simon Mignolet both also made the flight, with it still unclear as to who will start on Wednesday.
Karius appears to have earned the league No 1 position, however Klopp has rotated his keepers in Europe and could give Mignolet another chance.
Goalkeepers Loris Karius and Simon Mignolet both also made the flight
Karius seems to have earned league No 1 role, however Klopp has rotated keepers in Europe