European football’s governing body has announced it will continue its probe into seven clubs that had disclosed a break-even deficit

Uefa will continue to investigate seven clubs – including Liverpool, Inter and Roma – regarding their Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations.

European football’s governing body introduced the rules in a bid to stop clubs living beyond their means, with high-profile clubs like Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain sanctioned in recent years.

In a statement on Friday, UEFA declared that a list of seven clubs remain under investigation, while another six have been asked to provide additional details of their finances.

“The UEFA Club Financial Control Body (CFCB) investigatory chamber has finished the first round of club hearings with respect to the analysis of the break-even submissions for all clubs with a financial closing date in June 2014,” it read.

“As a result of these discussions, the CFCB has decided to continue its investigations into seven clubs (Monaco, Roma, Besiktas, Inter, Krasnodar, Liverpool and Sporting) that had disclosed a break-even deficit on the basis of their financial reporting periods ending in 2012 and 2013.

“In addition, the CFCB has requested another six clubs to provide additional information on their break-even position.

“These are Sparta Prague, Hull City, Lyon, Panathinaikos, Ruch Chorzow and Wolfsburg.

“These clubs will need to submit additional monitoring information in the coming months until February 2015, upon the deadlines set by the CFCB.

“This process will be updated by UEFA with further communication to take place in February 2015.”

Brendan Rodgers’ side could register their third consecutive victory in the Premier League for the first time this season, while Gus Poyet’s men sit two points above the drop zone

Philippe Coutinho is in contention to face Sunderland on Saturday as Liverpool look to record their third straight win in the Premier League.

The Brazilian missed Tuesday’s 3-1 victory over Leicester City with a knee injury but Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has confirmed the midfielder should be fit for the fixture at Anfield.

Jose Enrique is also available after missing Liverpool’s midweek win, though Rodgers is treating the Spaniard’s long-term knee problem with caution.

“We are having to manage Jose and his games, but he has trained and should be available for the weekend,” said the Liverpool manager.

Mamadou Sakho also returned to training on Thursday, but Liverpool are still without strike duo Daniel Sturridge (thigh) and Mario Balotelli (groin).

Liverpool, who finished second last term, have yet to register three successive wins this season and currently sit eighth in the table, five points behind fourth-placed Manchester United.

Sunderland, meanwhile, have won just twice this season and a goalless draw at home to Chelsea last Saturday was followed by a 4-1 thumping at the hands of Manchester City on Wednesday.

“We are going to have to refresh the team because there are a few heavy legs, so it is going to be interesting and I’m looking forward to the game,” Sunderland boss Gus Poyet told Sunderland’s official website.

Adam Johnson and Wes Brown come back into the frame after missing Wednesday’s clash and Poyet will be hopeful that the latter can recover from a knock to take the place of centre-back Sebastian Coates, who played against City but is ineligible to face his parent club.

The Belgian goalkeeper has come in for severe criticism this season as he stands behind the Reds’ leaky back line but his manager says that he fighting to raise his standards

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has defended Simon Mignolet as the goalkeeper continues to come under fire for his performances.

The Belgian has endured much criticism for his displays this season, with the Reds struggling to recapture the form that saw them finish second in 2013-14.

Mignolet presented Leicester City’s Esteban Cambiasso with an open goal thanks to a careless pass during Tuesday’s 3-1 victory but the Argentine let the keeper off the hook by shooting wide.

The 26-year-old was then unfortunate to concede an own goal as a shot from Leonardo Ulloa rebounded off the post, hit him on the back and went in, and Rodgers came to his No.1’s defence on Thursday.

“Simon Mignolet is working very hard on the training field to improve,” he told reporters ahead of Saturday’s clash with Sunderland.

The midweek win at Leicester saw Liverpool complete back-to-back top-flight victories for just the second time this season and Rodgers was full of praise for the manner in which his players have reacted to a difficult spell that saw them lose four in a row in all competitions.

“It’s a really exciting period,” he added. “The players have shown the character I always said they had. They have responded magnificently.”

Mario Balotelli missed the Leicester win with a groin injury and remains sidelined as the Football Association continues its investigation into a controversial social media post made by the Italian but Rodgers insists that he has not lost faith in the former AC Milan man and also hopes to welcome Philippe Coutinho and Jose Enrique back into his squad against Sunderland.

“[Balotelli] is injured at moment but he’s still very much a Liverpool player. My concentration is on those fit and available,” Rodgers noted.

“Coutinho had a slight issue with his knee but should be OK for Saturday. Enrique has trained and should be OK.”

One major source of frustration for Rodgers this season has been the continued absence of Daniel Sturridge. The England striker, who scored 21 Premier League goals last season, has not played for Liverpool since August due to various muscle injuries.

Sturridge’s latest setback is expected to keep him out until January, although Rodgers says the 25-year-old is progressing well in his rehabilitation.

“He has gone away to get some work in, with some of our staff, doing specific work,” the Northern Irishman continued. “He’s coming along well.”