Klopp provides pre-Spurs injury update as Clyne and Lallana close in on returns

Nathaniel Clyne is now ‘close’ to a return to full training after being named in Liverpool’s squad for the Champions Legaue knockout stages, says Jürgen Klopp.

Speaking ahead of Liverpool’s clash with Spurs at Anfield this Sunday, the Reds boss said that his side would need to progress at least one round further in this seasons Champions League for there to be any chance of Clyne appearing in the competition this season.

BREAKING: Nathaniel Clyne has been named in Liverpool’s Champions League squad for the remainder of the tournament. (@LFC) https://t.co/tlohmqJfXR

— Anfield HQ (@AnfieldHQ) February 2, 2018

Virgil van Dijk and Danny Ings have also been added to the squad.

“Clyney is not in team training yet but in really good way. He’s close. But after so long out it will take a while to be ready to play.

“We need to at least go one round further that Clyney can be involved.”

Adam Lallana missed Liverpool’s loss to West Brom last Saturday as well as the trip to Huddersfield earlier this week, but Klopp says he returned to full training on Friday.

The midfielder is likely to be saved for the Reds’ clash with Southampton next weekend as Klopp looks for a way to build up Lallana’s fitness.

“Adam trains today. In an ideal world he shouldn’t be involved at the weekend. He wasn’t out too long. It would be better for him to train for next 10 days before the Southampton game.”

WATCH: Jürgen Klopp’s pre-Spurs press conference in full

LONDON, ENGLAND – Sunday, October 22, 2017: Harry Kane (TH) scores the fourth Spurs goal during the FA Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool at Wembley Stadium. (Pic by Paul Marriott/Propaganda)

The previous meeting between Liverpool and Spurs saw Maurcio Pochettino’s side ease to a 4-1 victory at Wembley.

The Reds responded by going on an 18 unbeaten match run in all competitions.

Klopp is in no doubt that Sunday’s encounter will be a stern test for the Reds.

“They had a good start, a good middle and finish (at Wembley).

“That’s why they won the game but it has absolutely nothing to do with the next game. Our targets, what we want to do and where we want to finish the season is clear.”

“It’s the most similar game to playing City. When you play one of the best teams in the world you have to put in your best performance.

“It’s a very interesting challenge again. Tottenham have to think about our strengths and we have to think about theirs.”

WATCH: Emre Can, Gini Wijnaldum and Sadio Mané take part in LFC Carpool

LONDON, ENGLAND – Sunday, October 22, 2017: Emre Can (L) Dele Alli (TH) during the FA Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool at Wembley Stadium. (Pic by Paul Marriott/Propaganda)

Spurs find themselves two points behind Liverpool in 5th place and know they could leapfrog the Reds with a win at Anfield on Sunday.

They will also have been buoyed by an impressive win over Manchester United on Wednesday night.

Klopp on Spurs’ United win: “They were sharp and awake the whole game. You don’t often keep United as far away from your goal as Spurs did in that game.”

The Reds got back to winning ways in style with a 3-0 win over Huddersfield this week and Klopp admits he has several selection dilemmas ahead of Spurs’ visit.

HUDDERSFIELD, ENGLAND – Tuesday, January 30, 2018: Liverpool’s substitute Virgil van Dijk on the bench before the FA Premier League match between Huddersfield Town FC and Liverpool FC at the John Smith’s Stadium. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

The likes of Virgil van Dijk, Gini Wijnaldum and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain were all left on the bench at the John Smith’s Stadium, with Alberto Moreno unable to get a place in the 18.

Klopp is keeping his team selection under wraps for now but is enthused by the ‘nice options’ at his disposal.

“We have a few nice options where we could make changes or not. The last game was good. We will see. There’s no reason to tell it now, not the boys, not Tottenham, nobody.”

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Source: anfieldhq.com