Xherdan Shaqiri could be left at home as Liverpool prepare for Champions League visit to Red Star Belgrade after enraging Serbians with celebration at the World Cup
- Liverpool are set to play Red Star Belgrade in Champions League on Tuesday
- Shaqiri could be left on Merseyside to avoid hostility in Serbian capital Belgrade
- Swiss midfielder enraged Serbs by making eagle gesture during World Cup
- The eagle is a symbol of ethnic Albanians, while his boot also had Kosovo flag
- Jurgen Klopp could make the decision to leave him at home to avoid distraction
Jurgen Klopp is considering leaving Xherdan Shaqiri on Merseyside rather than subject the midfielder to a barrage of hostility in Belgrade.
The Swiss midfielder enraged Serbians during the World Cup for what they regarded as an inflammatory celebration following a goal during a game between the two sides while he also wore boots adorned with the Kosovo flag.
It will, inevitably, make him a target during Liverpool’s Champions League clash with Red Star Belgrade.
Xherdan Shaqiri could be left on Merseyside as Liverpool prepare to face Red Star Belgrade
Shaqiri enraged Serbians by celebrating a goal for Switzerland by making the eagle gesture, a symbol of ethnic Albanians
Jurgen Klopp may leave Shaqiri at home to avoid a hostile reception out in Belgrade
Shaqiri’s every touch was booed by Red Star supporters during the first meeting between the sides at Anfield two weeks ago and the hostility would be ramped up even further towards a player who was born in the former Yugoslavia to Kosovan-Albanian parents.
If Klopp decides after training at Melwood this morning to leave Shaqiri out, it would go against his wishes as the 27-year-old said last month: ‘I just go there to play a football game.
‘It is not about politics, it is about football. I worry about nothing and go to play. I had this (booing) already at the World Cup so I know I can handle this no problem.’
Shaqiri wants to play the match in the Serbian capital but may not make the actual decision
Liverpool can take a step closer to the Champions League knockout stages with another win
Klopp, however, does not want any distractions as Liverpool look to take charge of their group.
Another three points would put them within touching distance of the knockout stages, following the draw between Paris Saint-Germain and Napoli on Match Day three.
There will be other decisions to make about who travels to Belgrade but one man who will not be involved is Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson.
He is due to return to full training at Melwood following a hamstring issue but does not yet have match sharpness.