Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has revealed that midfielders Emre Can and Adam Lallana are nearing a return to first-team action and could yet play a part before the 2017-18 season comes to a close.
“Adam (Lallana) is here doing his fitness work. He’s not injured anymore but he’s not fit yet. We hope still that one or two games might be possible for him. We will see,” Klopp revealed on the eve of the Reds’ clash with Stoke City.
“There is no chance for the weekend, no chance for Wednesday and then it could be difficult (for Chelsea). Maybe possible for Brighton & Hove Albion for Adam. We have to see.”
The Brighton game is Liverpool’s final of the Premier League season and takes place on May 13 .
And with the Reds on the verge of reaching the UEFA Champions League final, Lallana could yet take part in that tie.
It’s not been a good week for the Merseyside outfit in terms of injuries as Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain suffered a serious knee injury and has subsequently been ruled out for the remainder of the season and the 2018 FIFA World Cup as well.
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And Klopp admitted the Reds had been struck with another injury blow on Friday as he revealed winger Sadio Mane was struggling with a complaint.
On the topic of Emre Can’s return, Klopp stated, “Emre is a little bit further away. His rehab is improving a lot. It is much better, but it is quite close to the end of the season. I haven’t closed any doors on both of them. There is still a possibility.”
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The third-placed Reds host the relegation-threatened Potters on Saturday at Anfield in the first fixture of Premier League Matchday 36.
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Match kicks off at 12.30 GMT/1700 IST.