Jurgen Klopp is expecting Nathaniel Clyne to recover from a rib injury in time for Liverpool’s clash with Swansea City on Saturday.
The Swans take to Anfield for a 12.30pm kickoff (GMT), in what will be Liverpool’s third game in seven days.
Klopp will first lead his side out against Plymouth Argyle in their FA Cup third-round replay on Wednesday night, a game in which he is expected to field another youthful side.
This will be partly enforced by injury, with Clyne due to miss out again, after his absence for Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Manchester United through injury.
The German has revealed Clyne has a “big chance” of returning for the weekend, with Trent Alexander-Arnold likely to take his place against the Pilgrims in the meantime.
“It’s getting better, with Nathaniel it was a muscle between the ribs,” he told reporters at Melwood on Tuesday.
“If anyone’s ever had a bruise in the ribs, [they’ll know] sometimes it’s better broken.
“Now we know after the scan, [there’s] nothing else. Each day helps him to settle, and get back on the pitch.
“We’ll give him two or three more days then hopefully he’ll start running.
“He’s made nearly all the games since I’ve come in, and before that, so when the first second it’s possible, he’s out there. He has a big chance for Swansea.”
Lucas Leiva was also forced out of contention against United, due to a knee injury, and while the Brazilian is set to miss the trip to Home Park, Klopp also expects him back on Saturday.
“Lucas is similar, his knee was swollen, and when the knee is swollen that’s never a good sign,” he continued.
“But it’s on the better side of bad news, it’s only a bruise. But then you have to wait until swelling goes away.
“He’s very positive, so maybe he can be on the pitch today—I’m not sure.”
Beyond Clyne and Lucas, Klopp’s only injury concern at present is Danny Ings (knee), with the striker ruled out for the rest of the season.
Goalkeeper Adam Bogdan (ACL) is out for a similar period, but is not in Klopp’s plans.
Marko Grujic has returned to training following a tendon issue, but is yet to come back into contention for any of Klopp’s matchday squads.
Meanwhile, Joel Matip is embroiled in an eligibility dispute with Cameroon, with Klopp unsure as to whether he will be able to select the centre-back until FIFA decide to investigate the matter.
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