Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has confirmed that their defender Dejan Lovren can return for Friday night’s clash with Chelsea, but has further stated that Emre Can isn’t fit to feature. Furthermore, the boss said Loris Karius continues his return to full fitness after the keeper made the bench during the 4-1 victory over Leicester City following a long lay-off.

The former Southampton man, Dejan Lovren, missed last weekend’s 4-1 victory over Leicester City due to an eye injury he suffered in training, but the swelling has gone down throughout the week. Lovren is back in training and Emre Can has joined him as well, but the manager has clearly stated he needs some more time to return to full fitness after a spell out.

Emre Can, 22, missed the outings against Tottenham and Leicester City after suffering an ankle injury in the Reds’ EFL Cup win at Burton Albion last month and a couple of days back, it was reported that he might mark a comeback, but the manager has ruled that possibility out.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday afternoon, Klopp stressed that though Can was back following an ankle injury, he “needs to train” before returning to action.

“The players who were involved in the last game are all ready again, plus Dejan,” he explained.

“Not the others, for example Emre. Emre isn’t injured anymore, but now he needs to train.

“He had a difficult pre-season, came [back] later than most, little injury here, little problem there.

“He’s still a wonderful player, but now we have to make him fit. That’s what we have to do with him, Mama and Joe [Gomez].”

Furthermore, Klopp has now claimed that Karius’ return to full form is on track as well, suggesting that he could be ready for his first start soon.

“Simon [Mignolet] is all good and Loris [Karius] has been in training the whole week now, so all good,” the boss added.