Brendan Rodgers travels to Russia with new signing Daniel Sturridge unavailable for the second consecutive fixture, this time due to being cup-tied.

Raheem Sterling (illness) should be fully recovered in time for the game, although full back Martin Kelly (knee) remains a long-term absentee.

Zenit boss Luciano Spalletti is likely to have a fully fit first-team squad to choose from, following the Russian winter break.

• Between them, these two clubs reached three European finals in four seasons between 2005 and 2008.

• Liverpool centre back Martin Skrtel (pictured right) helped Zenit to the 2007 Russian league title before leaving for Merseyside the following year.

• Liverpool’s only away defeat in the Europa League this term came in Russia, against Anzhi Makhachkala.

• Thursday’s clash will be the first time the two clubs have met in their history.

• Liverpool have won as many matches as they have lost (two) away on Russian turf.