NEWCASTLE-UPON-TYNE, ENGLAND - Sunday, December 6, 2015: Liverpool's Joe Allen in action against Newcastle United during the Premier League match at St. James' Park. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Jurgen Klopp refuses to comment on Joe Allen’s future

Without Emre Can and captain Jordan Henderson, another whose campaign was last week ended by a knee problem, there are spots up for grabs in midfield.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, February 6, 2016: Liverpool's Joe Allen in action against Sunderland during the Premier League match at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

The most likely beneficiaries are Joe Allen, who has been impressive in a number of short substitute appearances, and Lucas Leiva after his return to fitness.

“It would be better if they were still involved,” Jurgen Klopp said of his injured duo.

“It is a really good opportunity for Joe Allen. Lucas is here, Kevin Stewart is here and we have Pedro Chirivella and Cameron Brannagan so we have a few boys still for central positions.

“We cannot bring them [in] all together but we have to give them confidence to believe they can do it, especially with the young boys.”

Allen is down to the last 14 months of his contract and no talks have yet been held over a new deal.

However, Klopp did not rule out an extension when he was asked whether the Wales international had a future at the club.

“Of course. It is not for me to decide now,” he added.

“Since I’ve been here he was too often injured but now is in a great shape. For me it is not the time for me to talk about this.”