Jurgen Klopp has confirmed that Caoimhin Kelleher will return to training for Liverpool next week.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference via Liverpool FC on YouTube, Klopp said that Kelleher will be in training after a long injury layoff. However, the Liverpool boss did admit that none of his injured players will be ready for tomorrow’s game.
“This weekend probably not but after that, Joel, Curtis, Thiago is not too far away, Diogo is getting closer,” said Klopp. “Caoimh [Kelleher] will be back in training already next week as well. Nobody will be ready for tomorrow.”
Kelleher hasn’t been seen for Liverpool since the very early days of pre-season. After picking up an injury during the end of season international games, he has faced a difficult couple of months out.
Kelleher ready for return
Kelleher is perhaps not the player Liverpool most need to return to the squad, but it’s still good news.
If just to add a little bit of fresh blood back into the squad, his return will be welcome. It remains to be seen whether the Irishman will join straight up with the matchday squad or take his time getting ready.
With a goalkeeper the injury rehab can be a little bit different. While outfield players can slowly build up the minutes on a game-day, ‘keepers don’t have that luxury.
Instead, Kelleher may have to take some time with the U21’s as he gets used to playing again.
In the meantime, Liverpool have a refreshed looking Adrian supplementing the squad. Kelleher will remain as Klopp’s back-up goalie, but Adrian has stepped in admirably in the 23-year-old’s absence.
Hopefully Kelleher will be the first of many joining back up with the team over the next week or two. As Klopp mentions, a couple of others are close to a comeback.
The Reds play Newcastle United in midweek, which will likely come too soon for them. But for the following weekend’s game against Everton, Liverpool should have a few faces back in the fold.
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