There were those who sympathised. They know Basle have always been tricky, especially against the English. These were reasonable people who understood you can’t go missing for five years and just pick up where you left off in 2009. They know it was expected then because Rafa had already earned his stripes at Valencia, while Rodgers is a relative novice.

Champions League Group B

Liverpool 1 Basle 1

Midfielder Philippe Coutinho has recovered from the knee problem as Liverpool prepare to take on Sunderland on Saturday.

PREMIER LEAGUE:

All the team news from around the grounds ahead of Week 10 in the Premier League - more to follow as it comes in.

Basle 1 Liverpool 0

Basle 1 Liverpool 0

Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge has not won his race to be fit for today's Merseyside derby at Anfield.

Defender Martin Skrtel returned for Liverpool at West Ham after recovering from a knee injury.

Liverpool defender Jon Flanagan is keen to win back his place in the side once he regains full fitness.

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers handed maverick striker Mario Balotelli his debut at Tottenham.

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has warned that no incoming player will be allowed to threaten the “fantastic environment” at the club as Mario Balotelli’s proposed transfer to the Merseyside outfit apparently edges ever closer.

Jose Enrique has declared himself available for Liverpool’s opening Barclays Premier League match against Southampton a week on Sunday.

Brendan Rodgers insists Andy Carroll has no point to prove despite leaving the club just a couple of months after the Irishman became Liverpool manager.

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has told full-back Jon Flanagan he will be offered a new contract at the club.

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers admits weakened teams on both sides may well make it difficult for the 222nd Merseyside derby to match this season’s earlier encounter at Goodison Park.

Liverpool are likely to discover the extent of Daniel Agger’s injury tomorrow after the defender underwent a scan.

Brendan Rodgers believes his Liverpool side are firmly in the title mix — and expects the club to bring in reinforcements in the transfer window.

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers feels Reds striker Luis Suarez is an “easy target” for critics.

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers insists the fans deserve to be able to dream of what may come with the club top of the table at Christmas, but he is confident there will be no complacency within the squad.

Liverpool defender Jon Flanagan hopes he can enjoy an extended run in the side well but admits he cannot allow his standards to drop.

PREMIER LEAGUE:

Liverpool’s preparations for this weekend’s Merseyside derby have suffered a blow after defender Jose Enrique was ruled out with a long-term knee injury which is likely to require surgery.

Liverpool forward Philippe Coutinho returns from a shoulder injury to join the squad to face Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium after more than six weeks out.

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers is confident his side can mount a sustained challenge to bring Champions League football back to Anfield next year.

Midfielder Lucas Leiva returns to the squad for the visit of West Brom having missed last week’s draw at Newcastle after the birth of his second child.

Liverpool 3 Crystal Palace 1

Liverpool 3 Crystal Palace 1

Luis Suarez has been handed his first Barclays Premier League appearance since April as Liverpool attempt to deepen Sunderland’s woes.

Manchester United 1 Liverpool 0

Manchester United 1 Liverpool 0

Liverpool forward Iago Aspas earned a recall to the starting line up for the visit of Southampton as replacement for injured playmaker Philippe Coutinho.

Liverpool 1 Man United 0

Aston Villa 0 Liverpool 1

Aston Villa 0 Liverpool 1

Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert has handed full debuts to Jores Okore and Leandro Bacuna for the Premier League clash at home to Liverpool.

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers claims the club have not received any approach for defender Martin Skrtel.

Liverpool have announced the signing of Valencia defender Aly Cissokho on a season-long loan, subject to completion of paperwork.

Liverpool 1 Stoke 0

Striker Daniel Sturridge was pass fit to start Liverpool’s Barclays Premier League season-opener at home to Stoke after recovering from an ankle injury.

Liverpool striker Luis Suarez’s reintegration to the squad has begun after he trained with his team-mates for the first time in over a week.

Liverpool striker Luis Suarez’s re-integration to the squad has begun after he trained with his team-mates for the first time in over a week.

Liverpool have agreed in principal to sign Valencia defender Aly Cissokho on loan with a view to permanent deal, it is understood.