Klopp provides cryptic update on key trio

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has delivered a fitness update.

The club have been battling one crisis after the other over the last few weeks as injuries mount and form suffers.

But two clean sheets in a row and the early return of Alisson in goal have given the defence confidence – confidence that was shaken by the news that Virgil van Dijk will miss the rest of the season.

Rhys Williams has been forced into the first team and he’s done well – although taking on Premier League opposition will be a big step for the youngster and could define Klopp’s season.

West Ham are not without problems of their own as they’ll miss Michael Antonio for the clash – and now the Liverpool manager has delivered his own fitness update.

Jurgen Klopp has claimed that Fabinho will miss the match against West Ham while Thiago and Naby Keita are making progress in their rehabilitation.

The Brazilian has started as a centre-back in the absence of Virgil van Dijk but sustained an injury during the first half of the Champions League match against Midtjylland. Klopp confirmed that Fabinho will miss this weekend’s meeting against West Ham.

Speaking to Liverpool’s official website, the German said:

"“Fab is not in, that’s clear. He got a little injury and so he will be out for the weekend and probably slightly longer.”"

Thiago hasn’t featured in another match since the Merseyside Derby during which, he sustained an injury following a tackle from Richarlison. Naby Keita is also yet to return to the first team. Klopp claimed that both players are doing well in their rehabilitation programmes but didn’t give any definitive date as to when they’d be back in the team. The Liverpool boss said:

"“Both are on a good way, that’s how it is with rehab or recovery. He’s desperate to make the next steps. If he will be ready for tomorrow, we will see. Same with Naby, just a different kind of injury, I would say."

Well Fabinho’s absence is something we certainly saw coming and we can only hope that he’s fit before the Man City game because that’s a game where he will definitely be needed. As for Keita and Thiago, it looks like the duo could be fit to play that match.

This weekend, Liverpool play West Ham at Anfield and Klopp will be eager to see his team bag another three points in an attempt to take top spot in the Premier League table.