Liverpool assistant manager Pep Lijnders has provided an update on the fitness of the squad ahead of the club’s Carabao Cup quarter-final with West Ham.
Liverpool take on the Hammers in the League Cup’s last eight on Wednesday evening, with Jurgen Klopp’s side bidding to reach the competition’s semi-finals at Anfield.
Ahead of the game, Lijnders has provided an update on several members of the squad, including Ryan Gravenberch, who was substituted during the goalless draw with Manchester United at the weekend.
“We thought there was really something, he came off during the game and you saw immediately when he came off what that did to the team as well, he was playing really well,” Lijnders said at a pre-match press conference.
“Especially against these man-marking sides he plays unbelievable. But he had a scan and it’s only DOMS, which is fatigue, so that’s a really good thing. He will train hopefully today, let’s see where he is. We have to be careful of course because that’s a sign. So that’s a good one.”
Alexis Mac Allister is continuing his recovery from a knee problem, while Diogo Jota is nearing a return after his hamstring issue.
“Alexis is progressing well, he doesn’t have pain anymore, which is a good thing. It was worse than we first thought, but he is progressing well, no pain. Let’s see if we can progress him.
“Diogo is doing ball work on the pitch so that is getting closer and closer. But always with hamstring injuries you have to be careful, we always say when they come back give them another two or three days for sure.”
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