Jurgen Klopp provides update on injuries, West Ham and challenging Manchester City

Jurgen Klopp has said Fabinho is likely to be fit to play in Liverpool’s Premier League opener against West Ham United on Sunday at Anfield.

There were some doubts about the fitness of the Brazilian international, but those doubts have now been put to bed.

“Fabinho is clear. He had a scan but the check was clear. Then he felt ill so we sent him home again and I haven’t seen him again. We will see,” said Klopp.

“We will see about the England boys and Dejan. They are all in different shape. Trent has had longer, which is good. Hendo is full of power but hasn’t been back long. It’s Hendo though, you always think about him.

“Dejan is unavailable for the weekend.”

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BLACKBURN, ENGLAND – JULY 19: Fabinho of Liverpool during the Pre-Season Friendly between Blackburn Rovers and Liverpool at Ewood Park on July 19, 2018 in Blackburn, England. (Photo by Lynne Cameron/Getty Images)

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Klopp also confirmed that Ragnar Klavan will not feature on Sunday, but Joe Gomez and Joel Matip are yet to be ruled out.

“Ragnar has no real chance. Joel did train in small parts like Joe [Gomez] did so we will see how they are today,” said Klopp.

Despite being heavy favourites going into the clash against West Ham, Klopp said there is no room for complacency.

“Manuel is one of the most successful managers on the planet. He knows football and is a good tactician,” said Klopp.

“He has brought in good players and if you go through the team of West Ham it could be a completely different team.

“It could be Yarmolenko, Arnautovic, Wilshere, Noble, Cresswell back – that’s a good football team.

“It’s the first home game for Liverpool. People expect us to win. So do we. It will be a brutal 95 minutes but it will be easy to understimate West Ham.

“It’s the first game of pre-season so there’s no analysis really available. You have to think who will play or not. For the first games it’s always like this but it’s no problem. I’m looking forward to it.”

Liverpool have been touted by many pundits and experts to be the team to most likely challenge Manchester City this season, and Klopp believes consistency will be key to stripping the title off them.

“We need more luck. Someone gave me the unluckiest team article!,” said Klopp.

“We have to be more consistent. We know that. More clinical. More aggressive in the right moments. We need to improve everything.

“You ask me about the gap with City. We had three points from City and they had three points from us. It’s about losing them in other games.

“It’s not the other big six. You see how Fulham, Wolves and Everton act – and I’m not forgetting anybody – they are all ambitious. It’s difficult for all the teams.

“We have to be in a championship mode. We jump into the water and we dive until we don’t have oxygen anymore. That’s the plan. A lot of people think because of the transfer window we will [challenge more] – but that’s not how it is.

“City – the champions – have not lost a player and brought in Mahrez. They were impressive against Chelsea, both sides were. We are still Rocky Balboa and not Ivan Drago.

“We need to want more and fight more. That must be our attitude.”

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Source: anfieldhq.com