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An injury to Jordan Henderson is set to offer Emre Can the opportunity of a midfield role for Liverpool in the Europa League tie against Besiktas.

While the young German was bought as a midfielder he has been predominately employed as a right-sided centre back in the Reds' currently favoured 3-4-2-1 formation.

But Henderson's minor ankle injury leaves Liverpool extremely short of bodies in central midfield - Steven Gerrard and Lucas Leiva remain injured - and the 22-year-old looks set to partner Joe Allen in the middle of the park on Thursday evening.

Several impressive forays forward has whetted the appetite of many fans to see him in a more advanced position and their hopes are set to be realised in the Ataturk stadium.

Can has made no secret of his preference for midfield though has equally been happy to play wherever Brendan Rodgers has needed him. In recent matches he has moved into midfield later in games, including during the first leg against Besiktas at Anfield last week.

Last month he said: "It has always been the case that I have played in different positions. My favourite position is central midfield and the manager knows that, but if I get a chance to play and help the team I will happily play at the back."

Kolo Toure set to return to line-up after heroics in Africa Cup of Nations

With Can likely to step forward and Mamadou Sakho still bothered by a hip injury, Liverpool's back three could consist of likely acting captain Martin Skrtel, Dejan Lovren and Kolo Toure, returning for his first start after his heroics in the African Nations Cup.

Philippe Coutinho's absence is not serious and he has not travelled with one eye towards the Premier League clash with Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday. Last Sunday's trip to Southampton represented his 19th start in a row.

Glen Johnson is ill too but the problems have opened up opportunities for the likes of Academy youngsters Jordan Lussey and Jordan Williams, who have both travelled to Turkey with the first team.

Jerome Sinclair, Cameron Brannegan and goalkeeper Ryan Fulton will join up with the squad in Istanbul too, having played in the narrow 2-1 defeat in Lisbon to Benfica in the Champions Youth league on Tuesday.

Jordan Henderson is hopeful of returning to the team against Man City.