Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp provides Thiago injury return date and thoughts on Mo Salah v Cristiano Ronaldo

Jurgen Klopp has been speaking to the media ahead of Liverpool's crunch trip to Manchester United on Sunday (16.30 BST).

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

Injury update

Thiago Alcantara has missed the past six games after limping out against Crystal Palace with a calf injury in September.

The midfielder might not be back to full fitness until after next month’s international break, though, meaning he could remain sidelined for the next five games.

However, Curtis Jones is expected to be involved against United having been unavailable for the past two matches.

Klopp said: “Curtis will train today with us. He trained partly with us before we went to Atletico and should be in contention.

“Thiago is not in team training yet. He’s running, which is a good sign.

“It’s this week, next week and then the international break. I’m not sure before but for sure after the international break is what we expect.”

Salah v Ronaldo

Many people believe that Mo Salah can boast he’s the best player in the world given his start to the season. He’s bagged 12 goals in 11 games.

Plenty used to think Cristiano Ronaldo held that crown and he’ll want to snatch such title back from Salah.

There will be a lot of focus on the pair heading into the game - but Klopp’s not interested.

The Reds boss said: “I never thought about that, why should we consider Cristinao Ronaldo and Mo Salah. Both are world-class players.

“Mo’s left-foot is probably better and the right foot is probably better.

“Speed-wise, they are very both pretyy quick and desperate to score goals but I’ve never properly listened to that and have no interest.”

Klopp’s advice

Steve Bruce gave a sobering interview after his Newcastle sacking on the criticism he received when in the job.

It led to Arsenal chief Mikael Artete insisting it will stop aspiring coaches going into managers.

Klopp issued frank advice for any upcoming boss who might be concerned about the flak they might face.

He said: “Don’t read it, don’t watch it, especially not in average or bad periods is the best advice a manger can give.

“I think that’s one of the most important skills in modern football -n ot to let criticism get too close to you or just don’t listen to it.

“That’s what I do. In my career, I’ve never felt it maybe like Brucey felt it now. The world is like this, everyone can say what you want.”