Jurgen Klopp on Konate Injury, Naby Keita Update

Jurgen Klopp provided updates on the fitness of three players as Liverpool prepare for their trip to West Ham. Naby Keita, who has been struggling with recurring injury problems and hasn’t featured in any of Liverpool’s last nine league games, is edging close to his latest return. Klopp said: “If everything goes well today [Tuesday], he could be in partial training today. Not full training, his own programme. Much closer.” However, he won’t play any part against West Ham. Klopp also revealed Ibrahima Konate has had an issue this week, but is “positive” about him playing against West Ham. Konate has played nine out of the last nine matches for Liverpool but tends to pick up minor knocks frequently. Roberto Firmino is also out against West Ham and Tottenham on Sunday, leading to worries that he might have played his last game for Liverpool due to the tendency for injuries to drag on longer than expected this season. However, Klopp didn’t suggest this was the case, saying: “This week, no, but at the end of the week I hope he’s closer.” With four matches in 11 days, rotation is likely after fielding the same 11 for three consecutive matches. Luis Diaz and Thiago are both yet to start since returning from lay-offs, with Thiago being more likely than the former to get the nod for this one as Diaz is still regaining match fitness after over six months out.