Liverpool will be boosted by the returns of several stars for Tuesday’s clash with Leicester, with Jurgen Klopp confirming Virgil van Dijk, Fabinho and Thiago Alcantara are all available.
The trio have returned following a period of isolation after testing positive for Covid-19, whilst midfielder Curtis Jones could also form part of the squad after undergoing his own period of quarantine.
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“The boys who had to isolate are back – Fab, Virg, Curtis and Thiago. Thiago trained yesterday with the team,” Klopp told his pre-match press conference.
“We have one young player who is isolating and two staff members.”
That news has boosted the Liverpool squad ahead of a challenging period of fixtures, with Klopp once again discussing the challenges posed by the festive fixture schedule and rising coronavirus cases.
Klopp has called for changes in the calendar and says Premier League teams ‘should not’ be asked to play twice in three days.
“The situation should not be like this. I say it every year. Playing on 26th and 28th is not right. I say it because it’s true. I think we can find solutions, it’s not difficult. It would help players, even with no Covid.”
One thing that has been suggested to help lessen the demands on players is the return of the five substitute ruling, and Klopp believes an increase in replacements permitted would aid player welfare.
He does not anticipate the return of five substitutes, however, with clubs lower down the division believing the rule favours bigger clubs with deeper squads.
“We have to put competition aside. Yes, Man City have better subs than Southampton and we have better subs than Burnley. The problem is the intensity for a top-class footballer in England is at the edge.”
Asked on whether he thinks changes will be made, Klopp added: “Other clubs don’t want to have five subs so I don’t see a chance to change it to be honest.”
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