Liverpool's preparations for their Champions League encounter with Eintracht Frankfurt were plunged into chaos when their flight to Germany was delayed by nearly four hours on Tuesday. The Reds found themselves stuck at Liverpool John Lennon Airport after the aircraft they were due to board for Wednesday's fixture against the Bundesliga outfit experienced technical problems.

The flight finally departed Merseyside just before 8pm, with Liverpool forced to miss the customary pre-match media briefing that was due to commence in Frankfurt at the stadium at 6.30pm UK time. By failing to appear at the Deutsche Bank Arena for the conference, the Reds - who are desperate to avoid a fifth straight loss for the first time since 1953 - could face sanctions from UEFA for violating Article 48 of the tournament's regulations.

The rule stipulates: "The clubs must arrange for their teams to arrive on-site by the evening before the match concerned at the latest, and in time to fulfil their media obligations the day before the match."

The ultimate verdict will be...