Jurgen Klopp says Mohamed Salah won't face Everton if there are doubts over his fitness
By Rory O'Callaghan
Last Updated: 06/04/18 9:56pm
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp insists he won't risk Mohamed Salah against Everton unless he is "100 per cent fit" for the Merseyside derby.
Salah netted his 38th goal of the season as the Reds beat Manchester City 3-0 in the Champions League on Wednesday, although the Egyptian was forced from the field in the second half with a suspected groin injury.
The 25-year-old has spent time in a hyperbaric oxygen chamber in an effort to return to full fitness ahead of the trip to Goodison Park on Saturday, live on Sky Sports Premier League, but Klopp will exercise caution with his top scorer.
"I cannot make Mo available just because it is a derby," said Klopp. "I would never do that. It is impossible.
"You cannot push a player into the game just because [it is a derby]. I don't even think our supporters would want us to do that.
"If he is a doubt, he will not be involved. That is how it is with all our players. If they are not 100 per cent fit, they cannot be involved."
Salah's injury is another blow for Klopp, who is already without the likes of Adam Lallana, Joel Matip and Joe Gomez for the short trip across Stanley Park.
Klopp could be forced to make changes with the Champions League second-leg against Manchester City on the horizon, but the German insists he will field a strong side against the Toffees.
"We have a difficult situation, everybody knows that," said Klopp. "If you lose a centre-half out of the blue, and then lose central midfielder in the same week, and another full-back/centre-half in the international break, and another centre mid around the international break - it is not really cool.
"We still have the same number of games as we would have had with them. We have to consider pretty much anything.
"But at the end we need to have a line-up that gives us the opportunity to win the game and that is what we will try."
Klopp also hinted Danny Ings will start against the Toffees on Saturday, affording Roberto Firmino a rest ahead of the return trip to Manchester.
"Thank god Danny is here and in good shape," said Klopp. "I would not guarantee it but it does not look too bad, that he could start tomorrow."
