Jurgen Klopp has confirmed Mo Salah is back and ready to play against Atalanta in tomorrow’s Champions League clash.
The Liverpool boss, speaking to the press today along with defender Joel Matip, said the striker has completed isolation and is fit to face the Italians at Anfield.
Victory will ensure the Reds qualify to the Round of 16 and sit top of group D.
Having Salah back brings goals to a depleted Liverpool squad, with the Egyptian already on double figures this season.
The forward missed Sunday’s win against Leicester after testing positive twice while on international duty, where he also attended his brother’s wedding.
Klopp said: “Mo trained yesterday and looked really good.
“All the tests were negative so he’s available if nothing changes.”
The Reds comfortably dispatched the Italian opposition in Bergamo 5-0, but Klopp insisted they will be hungry to get a win at Anfield.
“That night in Atalanta was a special one.
“We played really well and did pretty much everything right.
“But we know this game has nothing to do with the game tomorrow. They are a top team.”
Matip spoke about his responsibility as the senior central defender at the club with key defenders on the sidelines injured.
“Every player has to step in and we have a lot of games so there will probably be a few changes over the weeks,” he said.
“We’re feeling good and we have to perform with the players that are there.
“I have all the confidence in my teammates that we can perform on the best level we can.”
Matip is likely to start alongside Fabinho. It is imperative the pair remain fit over such a hectic Christmas schedule.
The Reds have already built up a lengthy injury list, but Klopp failed to provide any further updates on the availability of Naby Keita, Jordan Henderson, Thiago or any others on the plethora of players on the sidelines.
The German said: “We will see.
“I don’t want to speak too much about it, because I have no idea who Atalanta can bring – so why should we give any information?”
With a busy schedule over the festive period, a victory tonight would ease the pressure on Klopp’s side.
They host Ajax in seven days then finish the group on December 9, travelling to Mitjaland.
