Jurgen Klopp makes fresh Mo Salah contract admission and confirms Liverpool injury boost

Jurgen Klopp has been speaking to the media ahead of Liverpool’s clash with Brighton.

Here are the key talking points from the Reds boss’ pre-match press conference.

Salah contract update

Mo Salah’s future is still to be resolved.

The winger has scored 27 goals for Liverpool this season and many regard him as the best player in the world.

Salah’s contract expires in the summer of 2023 and is yet to pen fresh terms.

Klopp insists there is ‘no rush’ to tie down the Egyptian.

“Mo definitely expects this club to be ambitions and we are,” said the boss.

“Of course, we cannot do much more. It is Mo’s decision pretty much. The club can do what the club can do.

“It’s all fine from my point of view, it’s exactly like it should be at this moment and is all set.

“Nothing has happened further - no signing, no rejection or whatever. We just have to wait for that, it’s completely fine, no rush in that situation.”

Firmino back

Roberto Firmino has missed the past six games due to a muscle injury.

The Brazilian has been back in training this week and Klopp confirmed that he’ll be available at Brighton.

Klopp said: “Yeah, he’s back.

“We had a few little things so far but so far nobody is out of training.

“On top of that, Covid is not over so these kind of things, we had as well - we will see. We try everything to avoid this but it’s not really possible.

“Player and staff who’ve had it had no symptoms but cannot be involved.

“We train a bit later. So far, I didn’t get no news injury-wise.”

Title race

Liverpool can pile the pressure on Manchester City with victory at Brighton.

A win will see the Reds moves back within three points of City - who don’t play until Monday night against Crystal Palace.

Klopp’s excited for the final two months of the season.

He said: “From our point of view, I hope so [the title race will go close] but I don’t know.

“We spoke about that here plenty of times and it’s always the same. Everyone is excited about having the opportunity of a title race.

“Our problem is we have to play Brighton now and then a game in hand - Arsenal away,

“That’s 180 minutes, at least, of football, in between. Now 90 then another 90. It’s really tough but the boys have done incredibly well and why shouldn’t I think we cannot go on?

“It’s hard work but the boys are ready to work hard then you have to play your best. If you can’t, you have to force luck a little bit.

“We will try everything. From our point of view, we can’t call it a title race because we’re behind but we’ll try to win all our football games.”

Brighton challenge

Brighton are in poor form heading into the Amex Stadium clash, winning just one of their past nine.

However, they have posed Liverpool problems in the past and earned a 2-2 draw at Anfield in October.

Klopp’s expecting a similar tough challenge.

“They’re a really good team. Graham has the time to set his team up for each opponent and is really smart,” said the Liverpool manager.

“Graham Potter is an outstanding coach. I really like what he’s doing.

“Brighton have a problem, from time to time, they don’t finish their chances off.

“If you look at the players they bring in and the way they play, it’s exciting to watch.

“At home, we were 2-0 up, I didn’t think we were brilliant. They needed a screamer they really opened the door and played between the lines, in behind the lines. Not a lot of players are able to do that but they were and I respect that a lot.

“That’s the team we prepare for.”