Liverpool to Face Bournemouth without Benteke

Liverpool will be without strikers Christian Benteke and Daniel Sturridge for the visit of Premier League rivals Bournemouth in the League Cup.

Both have knee injuries, with Benteke picking his up in Sunday's draw with Southampton, while James Milner is banned after earning five bookings.

Bournemouth will assess some minor injuries after the 5-1 loss at Spurs.

Tommy Elphick (ankle), Callum Wilson, Tyrone Mings and Max Gradel (all knee) are out with long-term injuries.

The Reds are ninth in the Premier League table following Sunday's home draw against Southampton - their seventh 1-1 draw in nine matches.

Bournemouth, who have suffered successive 5-1 defeats against Tottenham and Manchester City, have dropped to 17th after a four-match winless run.

Liverpool are searching for their first victory under new boss Jurgen Klopp, who replaced Brendan Rodgers earlier this month.

But Klopp insists he is happy with his side's progress in the three matches of his reign.

"Everybody can see we need the results," said the German. "We had results, not the most satisfying in the world. We didn't have the easiest opponents to play against.

"If you are new in a club, normally you have more time, but if you don't you have to accept that the way is hard.

"My faith in this team is really big. It's a really good working atmosphere in this squad."

Injuries to Benteke and Sturridge mean Klopp is short of striker options - and with Divock Origi replaced at half-time by Benteke against Southampton, Roberto Firmino could be in contention for a place up front.

Former Borussia Dortmund boss Klopp said of the former Hoffenheim player, who cost Liverpool £29m: "One year ago he was for a few months for sure the best player in the Bundesliga.

"Everybody could see he can be a very, very good player. When I heard Liverpool took him I thought, 'good choice'.

"He was injured but when he came in you could see he's strong, he's fast in a good football way. He's an important player for us and I hope he can play."