Liverpool’s smashing 5-0 win over Watford had only one blot, with Emre Can limping off early on and Reds manager Jurgen Klopp revealed that the German’s injury was not a serious one and he expected his compatriot to be back in action without much delay.
“(It is a) back (injury). He doesn’t think, and I don’t think, it is too serious but it was too serious to continue,” Klopp stated after the tie, which saw Mohamed Salah score an incredible four goals.
The Egyptian had already given the Reds the lead when Can pulled up while clutching his back and James Milner swiftly replaced him in the 28th minute itself.
“He had that problem a little bit during the week; we gave him one day of extra recovery. But he thought it would work and he trained normally yesterday.”
With the international break resuming, Liverpool do not play for two weeks but Klopp was not worried over Can aggravating the complaint while on national team duty and confirmed the midfielder would not be pulling out last minute.
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“It was one header and maybe because of the temperature in the muscle – it is a muscle thing. But it should not be that serious and he will go to the national team I think, and have their treatment. Their game is not tomorrow. Then we’ll know more, but it should not be an issue,” Klopp added.
Die Mannschaft, among the favourites for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, take on Spain and Brazil in two high-profile friendlies in the ensuing international break.
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Liverpool’s next fixture is an away Premier League fixture at Crystal Palace on March 31 and after Klopp’s early prognosis, Can is expected to be fit for the clash against the Eagles.
However, with a double-legged continental tie with Manchester City (April 4 and 10) looming large on the horizon, Klopp may be tempted to rest the German in a bid to ensure he’s fully fit for their mammoth UEFA Champions League clash.