Jurgen Klopp releases mixed injury update – key player back in squad

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Jurgen Klopp has confirmed Naby Keita will travel as part of the Liverpool squad to face Red Star Belgrade on Tuesday.

The midfielder has missed the Reds’ last three Premier League games after picking up a hamstring injury whilst on international duty with Guinea in October.

His setback whilst away with his national team followed on from a back spasm that saw him substituted in the first half of Liverpool’s 1-0 Champions League defeat away to Napoli earlier that month.

Keita has now been named in Klopp’s 21-man cohort, along with Dejan Lovren following his own return from a recent injury.

Liverpool will, however, be missing Jordan Henderson again as the captain continues his recovery from the hamstring problem he suffered during the 1-0 win over Huddersfield at the John Smith’s Stadium.

Klopp told Liverpoolfc.com: “We will take pretty much everyone. Clyney is ill and will not be involved, but Dejan and Naby are back in the travelling squad.”

“Hendo was close, but not close enough. He needs two proper sessions for his fitness, which he will get at Melwood, with Shaqiri and hopefully Clyney if he is back from illness. They both should be fine for the weekend.”

Jordan Henderson – image by Liverpoolfc.com

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Henderson’s absence comes as something of a blow for the Reds after he was dearly missed in Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Arsenal at the Emirates.

It remains to be seen whether Keita will be involved at all in Belgrade, with Klopp unlikely to risk the summer signing in a potentially hostile contest if not fully convinced of his fitness.

Nonetheless, his availability would mark a welcomed boost amid Liverpool’s efforts to offer added creativity from midfield in support of their front three.

Klopp won’t be able to turn to Xherdan Shaqiri in that respect, having decided to leave the Swiss international on Merseyside in order to avoid further backlash from Serbian fans over his Kosovan-heritage.

 

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