Liverpool FC News Recap: Injuries WORRIES, Robertson INTEREST & bus PARADE plans

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp admitted his side 'need miracles' amid their current injury crisis as they prepare to face Southampton in the FA Cup fifth round this Wednesday.

Midfielder Ryan Gravenberch has been ruled out, suffering ankle ligament damage following a horror challenge from Chelsea's Moises Caicedo during Sunday's Carabao Cup final.

"It could have been much worse but bad enough for being ruled out of this game and the next game. We will see," he said.

Wataru Endo could also miss the game after picking up "a proper knock as well". The German added: "I wouldn't say it's much improved since Sunday but that's how it is."

There could be better news for Darwin Nunez, Mohamed Salah and Dominik Szoboszlai, who Klopp described as "touch-and-go".

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Thiago and Bajcetic timeline uncertain

In his injury update, Klopp also left open the possibility that Thiago Alcantara may not play for the club again, as the midfielder continues to struggle with injuries. Thiago, who has only made one appearance so far in the 2023/24 season, has faced complications in his recovery from hip surgery.

Similarly, Stefan Bajcetic's timeline for return to action remains uncertain. While Klopp expressed optimism about Bajcetic's progress in individual training, he emphasised the importance of ensuring the player's fitness before reintegrating him into team activities.

"He's pain-free, completely pain-free, which is the most important thing. All checks we made, scans again, bone looks good, all fine," he said.

"Now we just need to make sure of the moment [we decide] we use him again in normal training because the difficulty of football is such a complex sport for the body.

"For me he looks good, but how good, I get told. I cannot decide. Nobody told me he will be back soon."

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Klopp in favour of open-top bus parade

It has been widely reported that Liverpool will look to lay on an open-top parade to celebrate their 10th League Cup win, an event which could also coincide with Klopp’s farewell to the city and to the club.

When asked his thoughts on this being dubbed a 'goodbye parade', Klopp said: “That is one part which is not so cool.”

However, he added: 

"I am the biggest supporter of trophy parades to be honest. I love that."

“If there is a parade, I will be on the bus, no doubt about that

,” he smiled.

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Robertson on Bayern's radar

Andy Robertson has been named at the top of Bayern Munich's shortlist to replace Real Madrid-bound Alphonso Davies, according to a report.

Canadian left-back Davies is expected to make the move to Madrid either this summer or the next after reportedly reaching a verbal agreement on a transfer.

The 23-year-old's contract in Germany is up in 2025, while he appears to be closing in on a move to the Spanish capital.

Real Madrid and Bayern are yet to negotiate a deal which would allow Davies to move this summer. However, the Daily Mail claims the Bundesliga giants are already preparing for his exit.

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Supercomputer fancies Liverpool

According to Opta's 'supercomputer' predictions, Liverpool's chances of winning the Premier League this season are on the up.

Adjusting their figures after 26 game weeks, the football data analysts' calculations give Klopp's side a 35.2% chance of lifting the Premier League title come May.

This represents an almost 10% jump from the 25.7% forecast after the defeat to Arsenal at the Emirates on 4 February.

In addition, at the start of the 2023/24 campaign, unfancied Liverpool were given just a 3.5% chance of glory, having struggled badly the previous year.

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Is the Varela interest serious?

Fresh doubts have been cast on the strength of the links between Liverpool and FC Porto midfielder Alan Varela, despite Portuguese outlet O Jogo's claim at the weekend that the Reds were considering doing battle with Manchester City for his signature.

The 22-year-old holding midfielder's standout performance against Arsenal in the Champions League last 16 first leg last week will no doubt have piqued further interest from English clubs, inflating the Argentinian's price tag in the process.

However, a list of scouts present at the game has since been made public. Interestingly, there were representatives of Aston Villa, Manchester United and West Ham at the crucial match, but not Liverpool or Manchester City.

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Liverpool make breakthrough for 'New Rivaldo'

Liverpool will submit a bid for highly promising Brazilian starlet Luis Guilherme in the coming days, according to reports in Brazil.

Guilherme turned 18 in February, which means he is now eligible for a transfer to Europe. He had already caught the eye of Bayern Munich and Chelsea, among other European giants, but it is the Reds who are readying an offer for the Palmeiras wonderkid, following recent reports of their interest.

Guilherme has been likened to 2002 World Cup winner and Palmeiras favourite Rivaldo thanks to his silky left foot and ability to glide past markers. 

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Coutinho has 'no regrets' about leaving Liverpool

Philippe Coutinho has no regrets over his Liverpool exit, insisting he would change nothing about his decision to join Barcelona.

Coutinho, when asked by Catalan daily Sport whether he had any regrets about moving to Barça and missing out on Liverpool’s run of trophies, he said: “No. At no time."

“Things did not turn out as I imagined, as people expected, as I expected because I am the first to demand of myself on the field, I tell myself that I have to give more on the field. I tried everything, I have always been very professional and I don’t regret anything."

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