Positive news in Liverpool before the Chelsea meeting
Liverpool coach Juergen Klopp said that the Brazilian duo Alison Baker and Fabinho will return to the ranks of the team against Chelsea on Thursday in the English Premier League as Liverpool seeks to end the season in the qualifying places for the Champions League.
Goalkeeper Allison took a leave of absence after his father's sudden death last week and missed Sunday's 2-0 win over Sheffield United.
The defensive midfielder Fabinho, who was hired by Liverpool at the center of defense to make up for the absence of several prominent defenders, has not played since the 4-1 defeat at Manchester City last month due to a muscle injury.
"Alison has fully participated in the team's training this week and I expect him to return," Klopp told a news conference on Wednesday.
"Fabinho has now undergone five or six sessions to assess the condition of his legs. We will make a decision on him. But he looks fine. He is ready."
Diogo Jota, who has not played since suffering a knee injury in December, may return against Chelsea.
"He suffers from a stomach problem. They informed us this morning that his condition has improved. We will discuss the possibility of his participation," Klopp said.
Defending champions Liverpool ended a four-game losing streak in the league by beating club bottom Sheffield United.
With four of the five pre-ranked Liverpool teams failing to win at the weekend, Klopp's side now find themselves just two points behind West Ham United, fourth, who are the last to qualify for the Champions League.
"A week ago my team was out of the scores, but now the situation has changed and we have to win as many matches as possible to achieve our goals. The team knows that very well," Klopp said.
"Your defense must be strong against Chelsea, make a great effort, be patient and wait for opportunities ... because he is a dangerous competitor."
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