Karius poised for Liverpool debut as goalkeeping battle heats up

Loris Karius has overcome the unfortunate broken hand injury he sustained during a preseason friendly, and is set to finally make his competitive Liverpool debut in Tuesday's League Cup third-round tie with Derby County.

The former FSV Mainz 05 goalkeeper was widely viewed as a replacement for the error-prone Simon Mignolet on Merseyside, but the Belgian has performed admirably so far this season and should continue on with his Premier League commitments after the midweek match at Pride Park.

But despite the clear battle over who dons the gloves for Liverpool, manager Jurgen Klopp is keen to play down any competition in a position where players tend to thrive from continuity.

"(Karius) had a bad start at Mainz, when no one wanted him, to become an outstanding goalkeeper. We wanted him, I spoke to him and that is what we got," said Klopp.

"What we want is two really strong goalkeepers and that is what I think we have got. Loris had an advantage in preseason but could not use it because of injury. In this moment Simon came back from the national team and did a brilliant job."

He added: "I really don't want to make a big battle of these two goalkeepers, why should I? Goalkeepers need to feel secure but you can't play your whole life as a keeper without conceding goals."

A stutter against Burnley aside, Liverpool is adopting Klopp's tireless gegenpressing methods after the German enjoyed his first summer with his side and was able to bring in his own players, like Karius, Joel Matip, Sadio Mane, and Georginio Wijnaldum.

The Reds deservedly won 2-1 at Chelsea on Friday, and are now level on points with fourth-placed Arsenal, but Klopp is keen to point out that no starting role is assured under his watch.

"There is no No. 1 at this moment, there is no decision, it is just about performing and showing how good you are," Klopp continued. "For all players it is the same. I won't say someone is our centre-half for the next 15 months. It is about performing and improving. Show how much you can help the team."

Following the League Cup tilt with Championship struggler Derby, Liverpool welcomes surprise package Hull City to Anfield on Saturday.