Liverpool have a big week ahead of crucial ties, as Klopp relishes a fully-fit squad for the Champions League quarter-final first leg with Benfica.
Right-back Trent Alexander Arnold made a quick return from his hamstring issue. The right-back was seen on the bench last weekend’s game against Watford.
But midfielder Naby Keita missed the tie as he withdrew his name from international duty due to a knee issue. But Keita has returned to training ahead of the trip to Portugal.
The Guinean’s return completes a fully fit squad.
But there appeared to be an issue with Curtis Jones and Joel Matip. Jones picked up an ankle problem in the game and Joel Matip suffered a knock to his forehead that required strapping.
But when asked about Jones and Matip’s availability, Klopp replied:
Yes. Full squad available. Absolutely. It’s nothing. Curtis was just a little swelling which disappeared overnight.
Same with Joel, which is really helpful, because it looked a little strange, and Trent (Alexander-Arnold) has now been training for around four or five days, so he’s ready as well.
With all three in training ahead of Liverpool’s Champions League quarterfinal trip to Benfica, it’s a major boost for the team’s crucial month.
Meanwhile, the Reds will look to equal a club record of five consecutive Champions League away wins on Tuesday night.
A mammoth task ahead for Klopp, let’s look into the final eight League fixtures for Liverpool ahead of Man City clash.
Man City held once held a double-digit lead for the title. But the Reds’ ruthless run in the second half of the season and Guardiola’s side dropping crucial points means Liverpool are just a point shy of Man City in the League standings.
Klopp & Co. have registered the tenth consecutive Premier League victory against Watford. Meanwhile, Man City replied with a win at Burnley on the weekend.
Therefore, the result next weekend may go a long way to deciding the destination of the Premier League trophy.
Liverpool’s fixtures
April 10 – Man City (A)
April 19 – Man Utd (H)
April 24 – Everton (H)
April 30 – Newcastle (A)
May 7 – Tottenham (H)
May 10 – Aston Villa (A)
May 15 – Southampton (A)
May 22 – Wolves (H)
Both Liverpool and Man City are also due to face off at Wembley for the FA Cup semi-final clash after the Premier League clash at Etihad.
Both Klopp and Guardiola have to juggle their domestic ambitions with Champions League ambitions. Liverpool are up against Benfica whilst City have drawn to Atletico Madrid.
