Soccer

Dejan Lovren replaces injured Kolo Toure for Liverpool

The Merseyside club face FC Basle in a must-win Champions League clash on Tuesday night

Liverpool’s Dejan Lovren returns to partner Martin Skrtel in a forced defensive change for Liverpool. Photograph: Peter Powell/EPA
Liverpool’s Dejan Lovren returns to partner Martin Skrtel in a forced defensive change for Liverpool. Photograph: Peter Powell/EPA
Tue Dec 09 2014 - 19:45

Captain Steven Gerrard returned to the starting line-up for the must-win Champions League clash with Basle but manager Brendan Rodgers was forced into a late change after Kolo Toure was ruled out with a groin strain.

Centre-back Dejan Lovren was recalled after a five-match absence as one of four changes from Saturday's goalless draw at home to Sunderland, with defender Jose Enrique and midfielder Joe Allen the other fresh faces.

Basle made three changes to the side which beat Liverpool in Switzerland, with goalscorer on that night Marco Streller leading the line.

Form

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Lovren had endured a terrible run of form for his new club before being replaced by the more experienced and solid Toure at the centre of the Liverpool defence. He has had to be content with late cameo appearances in recent weeks and had not started a game since the 3-1 Premier League defeat to Crystal Palace.

Rodgers has selected Lucas Leiva, Joe Allen and Jordan Henderson to accompany Gerrard in the midfield as Rickie Lambert will lead the line for Liverpool.