Liverpool injury update on Fabinho, Naby Keita and Thiago as Jurgen Klopp makes Simeone handshake admission

Jurgen Klopp has been speaking to the media ahead of Liverpool’s Champions League Group B visit of Atletico Madrid on Wednesday (20.00).

The Reds defeated the current La Liga champions 3-2 in the Spanish capital last month and another three points will see them advance into the last 16 of the competition.

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

Double boost

Klopp has confirmed that Liverpool will welcome back two midfielders to ease their crisis in the engine room.

Thiago hasn’t featured since the 3-0 victory over Crystal Palace in September because of a calf injury.

Meanwhile, Fabinho has missed the past three matches with a knee problem.

Klopp said: “Fabinho and Thiago trained completely as normal and are in contention, which is good. Very helpful so we will see.

“Injuries in this period are completely normal. As long as they’re not too harsh, we have to accept that and players will be back hopefully soon.”

Keita blow

However, Klopp is preparing to be without Naby Keita “for a while”.

The Guinea international limped off in the first half of Saturday’s 2-2 draw against Brighton and was replaced by Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

James Milner also remains absent with a similar issue he sustained in the 5-0 demolition of Manchester United.

Klopp said: “Naby has a hamstring injury so will be out for a while.

“Apart from that, Millie it’s clear (he’s injured) and others are out long-term.

“Naby had an impact but it’s nothing to do with Ox. If you watch us closely, the right-hand side worked well together with Naby, Mo (Salah) and Trent (Alexander-Arnold).

“Oxlade came on is a completely different player to Naby. A very good one but different. By the way, he set up the second goal so it’s not about Oxlade.

“It’s just about how you do things usually and have to change them. Against a lot of opponents, it wouldn’t have been that obvious but against Brighton it was. It was a lot about Brighton, how they used our little weaknesses.

“We prepare in a different way and know exactly what everyone is doing.”

Atletico challenge

Liverpool’s 3-2 win in the reverse fixture at Atletico two weeks ago was a rip-roaring affair.

At the final whistle, Madrid boss Diego Simeone opted not to shake Klopp’s hand and instead raced down the tunnel.

Simeone has since confirmed he never takes part in the traditional post-match ritual with any of his counterparts - and Klopp is fine with that.

He added: “Similar intensity. Atletico have never in their history since Diego has been there played a friendly game.

“It’s clear Atletico probably think they need three points and we want to win the game.

“We are at home and it’s 4-5 weeks ago since we played a home game in the Champions League against AC Milan.

“We were so happy we qualified for the Champions League because we knew we would have nights like this and can celebrate with our supporters.

“I respect a lot what he’s doing. Absolutely exceptional against a lot of strong sides year after year, really impressive. If I’d known he didn’t do it (post-match handshakes), I wouldn’t have tried it. Now I know, no problem.

“I expect we will shake hands before the game tomorrow but after the game fine, no problem.

“In between the handshakes, the game will be a tough one and that’s what I’m thinking about.

“I’m really looking forward to it. It’s a massive game against a super side but we are not too bad as well.”