Jurgen Klopp has admitted Loris Karius is not guaranteed the number one spot at Liverpool as the goalkeeper prepares for his competitive debut.
The summer signing was expected to replace Simon Mignolet before breaking his wrist in a pre-season friendly, a fate which allowed the Belgian stopper a return.
However, Mignolet’s start to the season has been erratic, re-opening the door for Karius, who will play his first game for the club in the EFL Cup against Championship strugglers Derby County.
Klopp is still evidently undecided on the two ‘keepers, and has told Sky Sports that they will only be selected on merit, as he has no favourites.
“The thing we wanted was to have two really strong goalkeepers and I think that is what we have,” he said.
“There is no number one so there is no decision to make, it is all about performing, improvement and showing how much you can help the team.”
Derby should be a relatively easily test for Karius, but it remains to be seen whether he will keep his place in the side at Mignolet’s expense.
With neither player guaranteed regular games, the one concern Reds fans will have is that their side can’t afford to be disrupted, particularly as they have already been forced to rotate defensively this season.
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