Liverpool: Brendan Rodgers to recall to Mamadou Sakho and open talks over new contract

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers says he will welcome Mamadou Sakho back into his first team plans for Thursday 17 September's Europa League clash with Bordeaux – and hopes the centre half with sign a new contract with the club.

Sakho, 25, has been frozen out of the first team this season having failed to make a single appearance in the club's opening five games. Rodgers has persisted with his first choice pairing of Dejan Lovren and Martin Skrtel, who have conceded six goals in their last two games, but insists the France international remains very much part of his first team plans.

"Mama is a player that we want keep," Rodgers told a press conference on Wednesday 16 September. "It was obviously a difficult start for him, like it was for all the players. In the first five games, the team won the first few games so it was difficult to change the team. Mama was working towards improving his fitness level.

"But always after the international break we were going to need Mama and the other players. He is a very important member of our squad and we want to extend his contract with the club. For sure, he will play tomorrow night."

Sakko's inclusion will be one of a number of changes made to the side on Thursday with Christian Benteke, Martin Skrtel, Dejan Lovren, James Milner, Lucas Leiva and Nathaniel Clyne all missing the trip to France.

Rodgers said: "There are obviously certain players that are left behind that will play [against Norwich City]. I didn't feel the need to take some of them out because we have got other players playing in their position, so it's better to stay at home and rest and get ready for the weekend if they're required. But there'll certainly be players that will play tomorrow night that will play at the weekend as well. That opportunity is there for the players that play tomorrow evening to hopefully put themselves in place to play at the weekend."

The changes are likely to see Divock Origi make his debut for the club having signed a deal with the club last summer.