Jurgen Klopp gave an injury update today regarding the rehabilitation of key players Naby Keita and Roberto Firmino ahead of The Reds’ upcoming Champions League final against Spurs on June 1st.
Speaking to Liverpoolfc.com, Klopp revealed that it’s mostly positive news about Keita as the Guinean international fights to be fit for the end-of-season showdown in Madrid.
“Naby is, I would say, a bit ahead of schedule, but that doesn’t mean anything for the final. He is now doing straight runs and all of that stuff, he feels comfortable with 50 per cent intensity and these things – but there is still a way to go.
“I know about the issues with Guinea and stuff like that; we don’t want to keep a player out if he can play – maybe they think it is like this, but it is not like this. For me, it would be good if Naby would be 100 per cent fit and could play the Africa Cup of Nations, to be 100 per cent honest. But we don’t know, we will see, and we need to work together with their medical department because in the end, a player who is fit – from my point of view – who can play, should play for his country.
“If he is not 100 per cent fit, he cannot play. That’s how it is. It is not important whether you play for your country or your club. That’s what we try to make sure. It looks good, very positive and we will see if there is a chance.”
Klopp also said that Firmino’s return to full fitness is also on track with the Brazilian international expecting to return to the starting lineup for the Spurs encounter on Saturday week.
“Bobby looks really good [and] he is now part of training. It was not too long out, but of course, we are still careful and want to make sure nothing happens.
“We have a few days still and want to use them, that’s why he is in, out, in, out. Yesterday, he was only playing as a ‘joker’ [in the small-sided games] but it is good for him, the first step to play football again.
“Today he was in around about 70 per cent of the session. Tomorrow he will probably be in completely, we will see, then hopefully it will be fine.”
This news will be music to the ears of Reds fans everywhere. Further injuries permitting, it looks like Klopp may well have a full squad to choose from at the Wanda Metropolitano in 9 days time.
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