Jurgen Klopp admits he has been taken aback by the condition of Emre Can ahead of Saturday’s Champions League final against Real Madrid.
The midfielder has been sidelined with a back injury since being substituted in the first half of March’s 5-0 win over Watford.
Hopes of his availability for Liverpool’s European showdown in Kiev were seemingly setback last week when a scan returned inconclusive results on his problem.
Nevertheless, the German travelled with the Reds for their recent trip to Marbella and was also present in Monday’s open training session at Anfield.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Klopp told Liverpoolfc.com: “With Emre or players in the situation of Emre it depends on the reaction on things [but] let me say it like this: 10 days I didn’t think it was possible that he could do what he did today, and that he could do what he did in Marbella already.”
“That looked good and my impression of him is really positive, but we have to wait again until tomorrow. But the door, of course, is open. It’s really nice to have him back in the group and he is really desperate to be part of [the final] and we will see.”
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Can is expected to complete his free transfer to Juventus following this weekend’s final, having reportedly agreed a five-year deal with the Italian club.
Though his future won’t be on Merseyside, having him fit to make one final contribution would be a timely boost against a Madrid side with the experience of three European Cup victories in the past four years.
His offering of midfield steel and physicality as a substitute would be a valuable ploy in maintaining Liverpool’s high-intensity press throughout the entirety of the game.
There’s a reason one of Europe’s elite sides have worked so hard to secure his signature. Let’s hope he gets the chance to remind Reds of that.