Liverpool, August 13 (BNA) Liverpool coach Jurgen Klopp said that the club’s growing injury list was a concern, but that he would not brag in the transfer market just to strengthen his team.
Liverpool, who had a disappointing draw with promoted Fulham at the weekend, suffered injuries to several key players, including Thiago Alcantara, Naby Keita, Diogo Jota, Ibrahima Konate and Costas Tsimikas.
“We have injuries, that’s the situation. It’s a question of how long the players will be out,” Klopp told reporters ahead of Monday’s home game against Crystal Palace.
“There are different solutions to that. One of them is the transfer market. It only makes sense if we can get the right player – the right player, not the player. In some cases it is not possible, in other cases it is very difficult.”
Tsimikas will return to training later on Friday, while Keita is expected to return on Monday. Thiago, an important midfield figure, is likely to be out for four to six weeks after injuring his hamstring against Fulham.
“All the other solutions within the team … If we had the right solution (in the transfer market), we would have done it already. We are not stubborn,” Klopp said.
The absences provide an opportunity for young midfielder Harvey Elliott, who signed a new, long-term contract at Anfield on Thursday.
“He’s a great boy and a great player,” Klopp added. “He had good preparations for the season and was always in competition to start… Of course he is (in my plans).”
The German expressed his regret for his team’s slow start against Fulham and said they needed to switch from the start against Palace, who lost 2-0 to Arsenal in the opening match.
“It could definitely be a warning sign,” Klopp said. “A slow start doesn’t mean you’ll do it again but it’s a sign, so use it as information and go from there.”