Klopp narrates an injury update on a “very important” striker

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Jurgen Klopp has given an update on Liverpool striker Takumi Minamino, who will be “very important” for the Reds throughout January.

Minamino made his debut over two weeks ago during Liverpool’s 4-1 FA Cup win over Shrewsbury Town on Sunday. He came off the bench in the first half to get some important minutes after an unknown injury.

The 26-year-old Japan international could start in the Premier League and the Carabao Cup as Klopp misses Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane due to the Africa Cup of Nations.

The German needs Minamino to go up alongside Roberto Firmino and Diogo Jota.

When asked about Minamino, Klopp told reporters: “Taki is injured. Nothing serious but serious enough that he can’t play.

“It was not the longest rehabilitation period of his life that we would hope – or perhaps the longest rehabilitation period we would hope.

“But he’s back and he’s very important to us, very, very important – especially when we have a lot of games coming up and we know that two of our key players are not here.

“He’s good. I liked Taqi a lot when he came in (as a substitute). He’s actually in really good shape, but the injury hampered him slightly of course.

“But now he’s back, he’s good and we need him badly.”

Klopp also gave an update on Spanish midfielder Thiago. The 30-year-old has been out with Covid in recent weeks but is also struggling with an injury.

Klopp said: “It’s something about the hip. That’s the situation – it needs time. He hasn’t trained this week but we expect rehabilitation to start from Monday.

“It is not the case that he will be out until the end of the season.”

Newcastle fans hope Kieran Trippier returns to the top flight more than McManaman’s Lineker

Liverpool coach advises the player to leave Anfield

Meanwhile, Loris Karius could leave Anfield in January, according to Liverpool boss John Ashterberg.

The goalkeeper has spent the last three seasons on loan at Besiktas and Union Berlin respectively.

He has returned to Merseyside but has succeeded Allison, Adrian and Kawimhen Kelleher in Klopp’s plans.

During an interview with The Athletic, Achterberg said of Karius: “Ultimately it’s up to him, his agent and the club to try and find a solution. Hopefully there will be one this month.

“It doesn’t help anyone sitting around for another six months without feeling like you’re really fighting for something. It’s not going to improve them.”

“He needs to use his competence to make a career now. Loris has a lot of good qualities.”

Read more: Liverpool goal hails Mohamed Salah as one of the best players in the world.

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