Cody Gakpo available for Liverpool, but Thiago Alcantara and Stefan Bajcetic remain out
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has confirmed that Cody Gakpo is available for selection after missing the Merseyside derby against Everton, but Thiago Alcantara and Stefan Bajcetic remain out.
Gakpo suffered a knee injury in the defeat to Tottenham last month and sat out the Merseyside derby as a result, although he was close to being involved after returning to training last week.
Klopp has now confirmed that the Netherlands international has been in full training since Sunday and could be involved on Thursday when Liverpool take on Toulouse in the Europa League, although did not go as far as to say he will play.
Thiago and Bajcetic remain out
Still sidelined are Thiago and Bajcetic who are dealing with hip and calf problems respectively, although they are closing in on returns.
“Cody is in full training now since Sunday,” Klopp told a press conference on Wednesday. “It means he is available for the squad, but whatever we do with that we’ll have to see, but that’s good. Thiago and Bajcetic are both out.”
Andy Robertson set for significant period on sidelines
Set for a significant period on the sidelines is Andy Robertson, who has only just undergone surgery on a shoulder injury he picked up on international duty with Scotland.
Klopp confirmed that operation went to plan, but did not put a time on the full-back’s recovery period.
“Robbo had surgery and all went well, as good as it could be,” said the German. “So rehab starts after he wakes up, I think it happened this morning. So, that’s it…we don’t know how long it will take.”
Klopp expecting tough game against Toulouse
Liverpool host Toulouse on Thursday as they look to win their third straight Europa League game, but Klopp is not expecting an easy night out at Anfield.
“Toulouse deserves all of our respect,” he said. “Won the French Cup, a massive thing. This year, a young, talented team. They have a clear idea but we have to see how they show up here.
“It’s not that I think we can lose this game, we want to win and that’s the next thing we have to bring us 9 points. We have to play our best, make a few changes, not too many, we will see. The boys showed so far they are really ready for the competition.”
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