Klopp provides star quartet injury update ahead of Chelsea clash

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Jurgen Klopp expects Sadio Mane and Gini Wijnaldum to be available for the Reds’ crucial clash against Chelsea in the Premier League this weekend.

Mane had sustained a minor thumb injury earlier this week and was absent for training, but the boss isn’t worried and expects him back for Sunday.

Wijnaldum is working through a back problem but isn’t expected to spend any time on the sidelines. The Dutch midfielder spent our Champions League fixture vs. Porto on the bench – it’s likely he was simply rested.

Sadio fell on his thumb and didn’t train yesterday. He should be OK today,” Klopp told reporters on Friday – as per Liverpoolfc.com. “Gini has a bit of a back problem but will train today.”

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has spent a very long time out of action, since April last year, but the explosive midfielder featured in a behind-closed-doors game this week.

Chambo isn’t yet in Klopp’s plans as he needs more time to build up match fitness, and the same goes for Joe Gomez.

On a more positive note, the England centre-back did make the bench against Porto which shows he may be closer to getting back on the field than the former Arsenal man.

It’s just been a long time,” said Klopp on ‘the Ox’. “He played 40 minutes against Derby [last month] and then 60 minutes in an internal game [on Tuesday]. He needs more minutes to play.

It’s difficult because all the others are fit. How can I compare? It looks positive in training, like Joe, but we need to make sure they are really ready.

They were serious injuries. We want to have them for the future, not only one game. That’s why we try to be as serious as possible.”

More Stories Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain Gini Wijnaldum injury news Joe Gomez Jürgen Klopp Liverpool Sadio Mane