FA Cup

Liverpool Team News: Klopp Confirms Double Injury Boost Ahead Of FA Cup Replay

Jurgen Klopp has confirmed a double injury boost ahead of Liverpool’s FA Cup replay at Plymouth plus he’s confirmed a starter and given an update on Matip

by
Fraser Crawford
January 17, 2017

Liverpool will be looking to book a date with Wolves in the next stage of the FA Cup when they take on Plymouth in their third round replay at Home Park on Wednesday night.

Ahead of the game, Jurgen Klopp has been speaking at his pre-match press conference this afternoon and he’s offered reporters the latest team and injury news.

The German coach was pleased to confirm scans have revealed that Nathaniel Clyne’s rib injury is not serious and he should be back in a matter of days as it’s nothing more than bruising to the muscle.

Clyne was forced to miss the draw with Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday due to the injury and he’ll sit out the replay at Plymouth but Klopp says the right-back has a good chance to return for Saturday’s visit of Swansea City to Anfield.

In a double boost, the Reds boss also confirmed that Lucas Leiva’s knee problem is just bruising and the Brazilian midfielder could be able to take part in training at Melwood today.

Leiva also missed Sunday’s clash with United due to his knee injury but it looks as though the 30-year-old might be back in contention to take on Plymouth on Wednesday night as long as he doesn’t suffer any reaction in training.

Klopp is quoted as saying by the Metro:

‘Clyne, it’s really painful but after a scan it’s nothing else (but muscle problem). We give him 2-3 more days. Big chance for Swansea.’

‘Lucas knee swollen, but it’s only a bruise. We have to wait for swelling to go away. He’s positive, maybe he could train today.’

Klopp also revealed that Loris Karius will return between the sticks after Simon Mignolet kept goal for the United game as the German continues to swap his keepers around.

Mignolet appears to have been restored as Liverpool’s No.1 in the Premier League but Karius played in both the domestic cup games against Southampton and Plymouth this month and the youngster is set to return on Wednesday.

However, it looks like Joel Matip is once again set to miss out as Klopp is still unsure whether he’s allowed to select the centre-back amid an on-going dispute with the Cameroon FA and FIFA.

Klopp told reporters: