Sevilla vs Liverpool: Ever Banega to return for Champions League clash

Sevilla are set to recall midfielder Ever Banega for the Champions League visit of Liverpool after the Argentina international was left out from the start for the 2-1 La Liga win over Celta Vigo.

The 29-year-old has been near-enough unchanged at the heart of the Los Rojiblancos midfield this season, making 15 appearances in all competitions.

Manager Eduardo Berizzo had hoped to give Banega a much-needed rest ahead of the pivotal visit of Liverpool but brought him on for the final 25 minutes of the comeback success over Celta.

Defender Simon Kjaer, who featured for the final 15 minutes, and Wissam Ben Yedder were also left on the bench but are expected to return to the Sevilla team.

Kjaer was forced to replace injured full-back Sebastian Corchia, who suffered a knee problem in the game and is one of five absentees.

Daniel Carrico, Nicolas Pareja, Gabriel Mercado and Walter Montoya are also out, but winger Joaquin Correa – scorer in the 2-2 draw at Anfield in September - is available again after a hamstring injury forced him to miss the last three games.

"They all trained well but we won't decide until just before the game," Berizzo said, according to AS. "It's going to be a demanding game, wearing and pressing and because of that I need players with energy.

"N'Zonzi and Banega regulate play and it will be important to play direct at the right moment and the right link play. What you have to avoid is losing the ball at the wrong time because Liverpool don't forgive you."

After Ben Yedder put the Spaniards ahead in the opening group game, Liverpool appeared destined for victory after Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah struck before half-time. But after Firmino hit the post with a penalty, Correa stepped up to claim a valuable point.

Berizzo says Sevilla must be more aware of Liverpool's pace and thrust in attack and pay particular attention to Salah, who took his tally for the season to 14 with a brace against Southampton at the weekend.

"He is a really quick player and very direct," he added on the Premier League's leading marksman. "It will be the same as what Iago Aspas did on Saturday. When he starts the play, it can be very dangerous. You have to make sure that the help arrives as quick as possible and not lose the ball in dangerous areas too.

"In Liverpool, we suffered with their speed. It's something to keep in mind this time. The key to the game is the correct use of the ball and the depth of our attack to stop Liverpool from running at our goal. The game will be about possession and losing the ball high up the field."