Red Star Belgrade vs Liverpool preview: Jurgen Klopp focused on game after Xherdan Shaqiri omission

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Jurgen Klopp says he is focused on Liverpool's Champions League trip to Red Star Belgrade on Tuesday after Xherdan Shaqiri was omitted from the squad. The 27-year-old, of Kosovar-Albanian descent, angered Serbian fans with his 'Albanian Eagle' celebration and boots featuring the Kosovo flag at the World Cup and a decision has been taken to leave him behind in an attempt to reduce local hostilities. Speaking ahead of the game, Klopp said he wanted to keep the focus on football for the tricky away tie.

"It's not sad, it's the world, politics always has an influence on life. We are here to play football. We didn't want a story beside a football story and that's why we decided," he said. "The player has accepted it. We come here as one of the biggest clubs in the world. We are here to play football and focus on that. That's all. Xherdan will play a lot of games for this club in future but not tomorrow." Red Star Belgrade coach Vladan Milojevic believes his team are playing for the pride of Serbia as defeat on Tuesday - coupled with a win for Napoli against Paris Saint-Germain - would eliminate them from the competition. Liverpool beat Red Star Belgrade 4-0 in their last Champions League outing

"For the club, Belgrade, Serbia and the whole region tomorrow is an important occasion, and we are looking forward to a spectacle. We will try to make the best of the game," Milojevic told a press conference. "Liverpool are a favourite, no matter what. They are one of the main contenders to win the Champions League; the team is made to attack for the title. We need to be concentrated all the time, because every pause and the smallest little thing is immediately punished." Team news Dejan Lovren (muscle) and Naby Keita (hamstring) return to the squad but fellow midfielder Jordan Henderson has remained on Merseyside for extra training sessions as he finalises his recovery from a hamstring problem. Forward El Fardou Ben Nabouhane scored six goals in the qualifying matches, and has 10 Super Liga goals this season. Former Chelsea midfielder Marko Marin, who missed the game at Anfield through injury, is back in the squad Naby Keita is in the squad but Jordan Henderson has been left at home