Jurgen Klopp says Joel Matip's absence from the Liverpool team against Manchester United is down to a lack of training this week.
Matip returned to full training on Friday evening at the club's AXA Centre in Kirkby, giving many hope that the defender would be fit for Sunday's top-of-the-table clash.
Klopp prefers his players to take part in two full sessions before they are considered for selection and Matip's Friday night inclusion gave him a fighting chance ahead of the game against United.
However, Klopp conceded that the visit from the Premier League leaders simply came too soon for the centre-back as Jordan Henderson gets set to once again partner Fabinho at the back.
Klopp said: "Joel could take part in some parts of the sessions on Friday but now it is Sunday so that is obviously not enough.
"From tomorrow he will train normally."
Matip is now in contention to face Burnley at Anfield on Thursday evening as Liverpool continue to wrestle with a shortage of senior centre-backs.
Klopp also explained the decision to give Xherdan Shaqiri his first Premier League start since December 2019.
"Shaq is in really good shape," Klopp said.
"He's been good in training. He had a good performance last time out. He is now getting rhythm.
"He shows everyday he is ready to go, so we let him go."
