Munich (Germany) (AFP) – James Milner started in place of injured Liverpool midfielder Naby Keita at Bayern Munich in Wednesday’s Champions League last 16, return leg with defender Virgil van Dijk back in defence.
Having missed the goalless draw in the first leg through suspension, Van Dijk returned to partner Joel Matip at centre-back for Jurgen Klopp’s side at the Allianz Arena.
Keita did not fly to Munich due to a “minor injury”, with Milner coming in on the right of Liverpool’s midfield three alongside captain Jordan Henderson and Georginio Wijnaldum.
Suspensions for Thomas Mueller and Joshua Kimmich, and Kingsley Coman’s hamstring injury forced Bayern to make three changes.
With Mueller out, James Rodriguez, who scored a brilliant goal in Saturday’s 6-0 mauling of Wolfsburg, keeps his spot operating behind striker Robert Lewandowski.
Brazilian Rafinha comes in at right-back for Kimmich.
Coman has lost his race to get fit with Franck Ribery named on the left wing and Serge Gnabry on the right wing.
Bayern and Germany captain Manuel Neuer will make his 100th Champions League appearance in goal for the hosts.
Starting line-ups for the Champions League last 16, return leg between Bayern Munich and Liverpool at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday (kick-off 2000 GMT):
Bayern Munich (4-2-3-1)
Manuel Neuer (capt); Rafinha, Mats Hummels, Niklas Suele, David Alaba; Javi Martinez, Thiago Alcantara; Serge Gnabry, James Rodriguez, Franck Ribery; Robert Lewandowski
Coach: Niko Kovac (CRO)
Liverpool (4-3-3)
Alisson Becker; Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joel Matip, Virgil van Dijk, Andy Robertson; Georginio Wijnaldum, Jordan Henderson (capt), James Milner; Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane
Coach: Jurgen Klopp (GER)
Referee: Daniele Orsato (ITA)
