Klopp addresses Liverpool’s chances of signing Fabio Carvalho, injury update on Elliott, Thiago and Origi

The key talking points from Jurgen Klopp’s press conference ahead of Liverpool’s clash with Cardiff City in the FA Cup fourth round on Sunday. He discussed missing out on Fulham midfielder Fabio Carvalho, beating Tottenham Hotspur to Luis Diaz and addresses Harvey Elliott, Thiago Alcantara and Divock Origi’s respective injuries.
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Jurgen Klopp has addressed the media ahead of Liverpool’s FA Cup fourth-round tie against Cardiff City at Anfield on Sunday (12.00).

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

Collapsed Carvalho deal

Fabio Carvalho celebrates scoring for Fulham. Picture: Jacques Feeney/Getty ImagesFabio Carvalho celebrates scoring for Fulham. Picture: Jacques Feeney/Getty Images
Fabio Carvalho celebrates scoring for Fulham. Picture: Jacques Feeney/Getty Images
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Liverpool were hoping to get a deal over the line for Fulham attacking midfielder Fabio Carvalho on January transfer deadline day.

However, the move fell through for the 19-year-old at the 11th hour despite a fee being agreed.

Klopp explained why the Reds were unable to get Carvalho, who has scored seven goals and recorded four assists for the Cottagers this season, over the line.

He said: “I don’t know. We are still interested, it would be crazy if not.

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“At the moment it’s not in our hands. Marco (Silva, Fulham manager) said yesterday in his press conference it was late before the window closed, it didn’t work out but, yeah, we will see what happens.”

Diaz’s arrival

FC Porto's Colombian midfielder Luis Diaz celebrates after scoring a goal during the Portuguese league football match between FC Vizela and FC Porto at the Futebol Clube de Vizela stadium in Vizela on December 19, 2021FC Porto's Colombian midfielder Luis Diaz celebrates after scoring a goal during the Portuguese league football match between FC Vizela and FC Porto at the Futebol Clube de Vizela stadium in Vizela on December 19, 2021
FC Porto's Colombian midfielder Luis Diaz celebrates after scoring a goal during the Portuguese league football match between FC Vizela and FC Porto at the Futebol Clube de Vizela stadium in Vizela on December 19, 2021

Liverpool did make one signing during the transfer window which delighted fans.

The Reds hijacked Tottenham Hotspur’s move for Diaz.

Klopp is delighted with the addition of the Colombia international.

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He said: “If he would come, step on a pitch and be on the absolute best then that would be strange because we’ve been together for a while.

“He needs time to adapt to it. That doesn’t mean I speak about 4-5 months, he needs time, I haven’t even seen him yet.

“We’re really happy about the signing a good sign we work on all fronts to improve the team.

“We have to be successful now and the future and he can help with both.

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“I’ve followed him now for a while - not only since we played them twice in the Champions League. He’s an exceptional player.

“I’m really happy we could get him in now and we can help him and he can help us. It’s a special story for sure.

“We can’t wait to welcome him here.”

Loan departures

Two players left Liverpool on transfer deadline day.

Nat Phillips and Neco Williams both completed loan exits to the Championship - joining AFC Bournemouth and Fulham respectively.

Klopp revealed why the Reds were happy for both defenders to depart.

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He said: “it was really good for Neco and Nat especially. Nat deserved it so much, we would have loved to have kept him here, he was incredibly reliable and an incredible figure on the training ground.

“It’s deserved and I’m happy for both of them.”

Injury update

Harvey Elliott of Liverpool during a rehabilitation session at AXA Training Centre. Picture: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty ImageHarvey Elliott of Liverpool during a rehabilitation session at AXA Training Centre. Picture: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Image
Harvey Elliott of Liverpool during a rehabilitation session at AXA Training Centre. Picture: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Image

Liverpool’s treatment room is finally starting to clear up.

Klopp confirmed that Harvey Elliott - who’s been out since the start of September after fracturing his ankle - is in contention to make his comeback.

Thiago Alcantara (hip) is also fit enough to be involved against Cardiff, although the game likely comes too soon for Divock Origi.

Klopp said: “He’s ahead of rehab here. Harvey was the perfect client, he did pretty much everything we told him.

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“He’s in a good place, in full team training. He will be in the squad definitely for the Cardiff game.

“Most things look completely natural, really quick without proper team training.

“He is close, very close.

“Thiago trained with us. Unfortunately, when Covid is around you only think it’s the only virus you can get but he had a little chest infection so had to step aside again.

“I expect him to be in team training today again. We will see how we can use him for Sunday.

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“Naby Keita is completely fine, came back (from AFCON) full of energy and confidence.

“Divock yesterday was in full team training. He looked very good but it was first time full team training for a while.”