Jurgen Klopp provides injury update on 3 Liverpool stars ahead of Premier League clash against West Ham
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has given an update on the availability of Naby Keita, Roberto Firmino and Ibrahima Konate ahead of the Premier League clash at West Ham United on Wednesday (April 26)
The Reds face West Ham at the London Stadium, looking to keep their winning momentum going. Klopp's side beat Nottingham Forest 3-2 on Saturday after previously thrashing Leeds United 6-1.
Firmino suffered an injury blow in training last week and missed the win over Forest. Klopp has ruled the Brazilian forward out of the clash with the Hammers (via Liverpool Echo):
"This week, no. I hope by the end of the week he (Firmino) is closer."
He then touched on Keita's recovery. The Guinean midfielder last featured in the goalless draw with Crystal Palace in February:
"If everything goes well, he could be in partial training today. Not in team training yet. He has his own programme. Much closer."
The German then revealed that the club are doing fitness tests on Konate before the London trip:
"We have to see. We will use the full time. Ibou, we need to see how it is with him. At the moment, I'm rather positive, but that doesn't mean a lot."
Liverpool are looking to finish in the top four, but their chances of sealing UEFA Champions League football are unlikely. They're seventh in the league, nine points off the top four with seven games remaining.
The Merseysiders face a West Ham side that have been in resurgent form. David Moyes' side are 13th and beat Bournemouth 4-0 on Saturday.
Jurgen Klopp's former side Borussia Dortmund keen on Liverpool-target Conor Gallagher
Borussia Dortmund have reportedly joined Liverpool in the race to sign Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher. Sky Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg reports that Klopp's former side have added the Englishman to their shortlist for the summer.
Gallagher is tipped to leave Stamford Bridge with a fee of around €50 million (£45 million) being touted for his signature. The midfielder has failed to establish himself as a starter for the Blues. He has started 15 of 38 games across competitions, scoring two goals and contributing one assist.
Liverpool are expected to be in the market for a new midfielder this summer. However, they won't be signing Jude Bellingham, as Dortmund's £100 million price tag has led to them cooling their interest.
Gallagher is one of many alternatives for the Reds as they look to bolster their midfield. Klopp is also an admirer of the Englishman's Chelsea teammate Mason Mount.