Liverpool team news: Klopp confirms boost ahead of Bayern but duo face late tests

Liverpool will be looking to secure a positive result in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie against Bayern Munich at Anfield on Tuesday night.

Ahead of the game, Jurgen Klopp has been speaking at his pre-match press conference and he’s provided a team news and injury update including the latest on the fitness of Dejan Lovren, Xherdan Shaqiri and Georginio Wijnaldum.

Lovren hasn’t featured for Liverpool since suffering a hamstring injury during their FA Cup third round defeat to Wolves last month and he stayed at Melwood to continue his recovery work while the rest of the squad flew to Spain for a warm-weather training camp last week.

The centre-back remains a major doubt to face Bayern and Klopp says a late decision will be made over the Croatian international’s availability to take on the German giants on Tuesday night.

Shaqiri missed the 3-0 victory over Bournemouth earlier this month due to an abdominal injury and Klopp has confirmed the attacker will be given a late fitness test after returning to returning on Sunday.

However, the Reds boss says Shaqiri ‘looked good’ on the training pitch so it sounds like the 27-year-old should be available to face Bayern in the Champions League tomorrow night.

There was also positive news on Wijnaldum as the Dutch international midfielder is expected to be available on Tuesday after returning to training following a bout of illness.

Klopp told Liverpoolfc.com:

“I don’t know 100 per cent. It’s Monday and we play on Tuesday so most of that should be clear.

“Gini trained and looked really well. Shaq did a lot, so it will be close, we have to see.

“Dejan, I actually have to wait minute by minute if there is a chance or not. But that’s pretty much all, I would say.”

Klopp on injuries: "You want the complete line up? Dejan we have to see. Yesterday he had a clearing session. We'll see how he reacted. Shaq trained and looked good."

— James Pearce (@JamesPearceEcho) February 18, 2019

Liverpool will be without Virgil van Dijk due to suspension while Joe Gomez remains out with a leg injury so if Lovren doesn’t pass his late fitness test, then Fabinho is likely to play alongside Joel Matip in the middle of defence.

The Merseysiders welcome Bayern to Anfield tomorrow looking to secure a first leg advantage ahead of the return leg at the Allianz Arena on March 13th.