Jurgen Klopp: “Emre Can is ready to return to the squad for sure”

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday afternoon, Jurgen Klopp confirmed Emre Can is fit to return for Liverpool’s clash with Villarreal.

Liverpool take on the La Liga side in the second leg of their Europa League semi-final on Thursday night, looking to overturn a 1-0 deficit at Anfield.

Klopp’s side produced a comprehensive performance in eastern Spain last time out, but were unable to provide the attacking flourish required.

This saw Villarreal striker Adrian Lopez pounce in the last minute, leaving Klopp looking to push for two goals on Merseyside.

Addressing the media at Melwood on Wednesday, Klopp confirmed that Can was able to aid the cause, having make a swift recovery from ankle ligament damage suffered in the quarter-finals.

However, the German maintained that no other players, including Can’s fellow midfielder Jordan Henderson, would return from injury.

“Emre Can is ready to return to the squad for sure,” Klopp explained.

“The rest we have to see.

“Hendo is in a good way for England [at the Euros], [but I’m] not so sure for Liverpool in this case.

“He was not on the pitch until now, so we have to see day by day how the improvement is.

“Only Emre will return to the squad, the rest are still out.”

Henderson will remain on the sidelines along with Danny Ings, Joe Gomez, Divock Origi and Jordan Rossiter.

Nevertheless, Can’s return will be a major boost in the Reds’ push for the Europa League final, with Klopp’s side lacking bite in midfield in the first leg at Estadio El Madrigal.

Klopp’s confirmation suggests Can could come in for a starting role, though whether he will risk the 22-year-old from kickoff remains to be seen.

Another player in contention to start at Anfield on Thursday night is Daniel Sturridge.

The striker was left on the substitutes’ bench throughout last week’s defeat in Villarreal, though he returned to produce a limp performance in Liverpool’s 3-1 defeat to Swansea City on Sunday.

Asked whether this was a game for Sturridge, however, Klopp said “yes it could be, 100 percent.”

“In all these thoughts, Daniel Sturridge is absolutely involved.”

Klopp opted for a compact 4-3-3 away to Villarreal in the first leg, but is set to field a more ambitious lineup in search of victory and progress to the final at Basel’s St Jakob Park on May 18.