Jurgen Klopp has eased concerns over the fitness of Mohamed Salah ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League quarter-final second leg showdown with Manchester City.
The Reds travel to the Etihad seeking to finish the job they started so emphatically in Wednesday’s 3-0 first leg win at Anfield.
Having been absent for this weekend’s lifeless Merseyside derby, Mohamed Salah looks in good shape to return to the lineup during midweek.
The Egyptian hobbled off in the second half against Pep Guardiola’s men after sustaining a suspected groin strain, with Klopp having taken no risks with his talismanic forward.
Discussing whether Salah will be ready in time after the 0-0 stalemate at Goodison Park, Klopp told Liverpoolfc.com: “I don’t get a ticker every five minutes of how he feels so I don’t know! That’s what everybody thinks [that he’ll be available] but in the end we will see.”
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Liverpool’s second half showing against City was arguably as impressive as their familiar first half attacking masterclass, spearheaded by Salah and fellow frontmen Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino.
A resolute defensive display shut out one of Europe’s most potent attacking forces to prevent an away goal the Reds themselves will feel they are capable of grabbing at the Etihad.
Manchester City’s second half collapse against Manchester United on Saturday not only saw their star men engage in an exhausting battle to recover, but served up a reminder of the only way to play against City.
A tendency across the league to sacrifice position and possession against them has been proven futile in a matter of days, with another brave attacking approach seeming Liverpool’s best route to success next week.
The latest significant test of Klopp and his team’s game management awaits.