Liverpool FC News Recap: Huge injury update, Klopp's thoughts on blue cards & Champions League changes

Jurgen Klopp has revealed that the important trio of Thiago Alcantara, Dominik Szoboszlai and Mohamed Salah will all be absent for Saturday's clash with Burnley in the Premier League.

Thiago picked up a fresh injury during his return to the first team against Arsenal last weekend, sidelining him yet again after his previous ten-month layoff. A timeframe on his comeback is unknown, with fears that he has played his final game for the Reds.

Salah is nearing a return and could be back in training next week, while Szoboszlai is unlikely to be fit again until closer to the end of the month.

With plenty of other absentees to contend with, Klopp's squad is looking a little light for the visit of Burnley, with Liverpool desperate to maintain their lead atop the Premier League table.

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JURGEN KLOPP AGAINST INTRODUCTION OF BLUE CARDS

Jurgen Klopp believes that the introduction of blue cards in football would be a bad idea and would only create more uncertainty and negative discourse around officials.

Recent reports have suggested that blue cards could be trialled in English football, allowing referees to send players off for ten minutes for shows of decent and cynical fouls.

However, like many other Premier League managers, Klopp is not sold on the idea, suggesting that it "doesn't sound like a fantastic idea."

Speaking before Burnley, he stated: "We should keep it as simple as somehow possible for the referees. It's a difficult job, we all know that. We're often quite emotional when we speak about it because it's most often after the game.

"It doesn't sound like a fantastic idea in the first moment, but actually I can't remember when the last fantastic idea came from these guys [IFAB]."

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CHAMPIONS LEAGUE CHANGES TO BENEFIT LIVERPOOL

UEFA have confirmed a significant increase to the Champions League prize pot that could act as a serious financial boost for Liverpool.

The current winner's purse for the tournament is thought to be in the region of £1.7 billion - a sizeable fund by anyone's standards.

However, as revealed on Wednesday, UEFA have increased the total prize money for next season's Champions League up to £2.1 billion, seeing an increase of around £400 million.

While Liverpool are not in the Champions League this season, it seems highly unlikely that they would miss out on qualification again this season, especially given they sit top of the Premier League table.

The Reds can also secure passage into the competition by winning the Europa League this term.

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TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD DELIGHTED FOR CONOR BRADLEY

Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold has revealed that he is delighted with the emergence of young Conor Bradley at right-back, the 20-year-old having put in some magnificent displays this term.

Bradley has provided five assists and a goal in his last four outings, seeing him nominated for the Premier League Player of the Month award for January.

The Northern Ireland international has blossomed since returning to action following a serious injury earlier this season, with Alexander-Arnold made up for his understudy.

"I think the way he’s stepped up and performed was incredible," said the English right-back. "We see it day in and day out in training how good he is and how good the rest of the young lads are.

"It’s a very, very good time for the academy. It’s very good to see."

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JULIAN NAGELSMANN UNSURE ON GERMANY FUTURE

Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann has refused to commit his future to the Germany national team, insisting his only focus is on the 2024 European Championship.

The former Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig manager has been touted with succeeding Klopp at Anfield this summer, although he is behind the likes of Xabi Alonso and Roberto De Zerbi in the race.

Currently coaching Germany, with his contract expiring in 2024, Nagelsmann has admitted he is uncertain regarding his future with the national team.

"I haven't thought about it yet," said the German."Since my contract ends after the Euros, I would say, 'as it stands now, no.' I've said it since the beginning of my tenure.

"The Euros is currently the focus. Then we'll see if I'm still the coach."

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