Thiago and Roberto Firmino injury update as Jurgen Klopp drops big Liverpool selection hint

Jurgen Klopp has been speaking to the media ahead of Liverpool’s Champions League last 16 second-leg clash against Inter Milan at Anfield.

The Reds hold a 2-0 advantage heading into the clash and have one foot in the door of the quarter-finals.

Here are the key talking points from Klopp’s pre-match press conference.

Injury latest

Liverpool have missed Thiago Alcantara for the past three matches.

The midfielder sustained a hamstring injury in the warm-up before the Carabao Cup final defeat of Chelsea.

Meanwhile, Roberto Firmino hasn’t played for Liverpool since netting the opening goal in the first leg against Inter and Joel Matip was absent for Saturday’s win over West Ham due to illness.

All have trained but Firmino is a doubt for the Inter clash.

Klopp said: “All trained yesterday, full. Not sure yet what we make of the exactly until we train today.

“Thiago was only a week out, probably would be fine but I have to wait for it.

“Joel was only 3-4 days so he would be fine.

“Bobby was longer out. It was his first session to we have to see if give him a few more days of proper training.

“We don’t properly train today, it’s tactical stuff and not high intensity. Bobby might need something else so we’ll see that but they’re all in training.”

Selection hint

Liverpool are in the middle of a hectic schedule.

Their clash against Inter is the Reds’ fourth game within a 10-day period.

Klopp has hinted he could make changes - and called for the Premier League to reintroduce five substitutes.

He said: “We played the final on Sunday, then Wednesday, Saturday and now Tuesday.

“That’s actually a horrible schedule. If we can make decisive changes in the machine room, midfield and we can do that then it’s possible.

“It’s essential, at one point, we have five subs in the Premier League again. We have three competitions with five subs and for one, we don’t have that.

“It makes so much difference and I don’t understand why it takes that long to understand it. The Premier League has to save its top-class players as well.

“ We cannot do it because some clubs think it would be an advantage for the bigger clubs.

“It’s not about an advantage, it’s about the game. You’d get much less injuries over the years.

“The schedule is fine, we’re used to a tough rhythm. We could make changes, that’s why we’ll be ready again.”

Salah sub explained

Mo Salah was subbed off against West Ham.

Liverpool’s talisman has rarely been taken off this season given the imperious form he’s been in.

Klopp explained why Salah was withdrawn.

“It was a substitution like it is for all other players,” the German said.

“Usually you leave Mo on because he’s that desperate to score a goal and if the situation is we can counter-attacker, it makes absolute sense to leave him on the pitch.

“Mo always defends to the end. We had an opportunity to bring on a fresh player in Diogo Jota. No further reason.”