Jürgen Klopp has refused to rule out Divock Origi for the rest of Liverpool’s season despite the in-form striker suffering ankle ligament damage against Everton.
The Belgium international is expected to be sidelined for between four and six weeks with an injury sustained as a result of Ramiro Funes Mori’s foul in Wednesday’s derby. The 21-year-old will be out for longer if it is decided he needs an operation.
Klopp, however, believes there is a chance of Origi featuring before the end of the campaign – 18 May should Liverpool reach the Europa League final in Basel – but will not take a risk on the striker’s fitness.
“It is serious but we will try everything,” the Liverpool manager said. “The season is not over without taking any risk for the player. I am long enough in this to know we are all different, all individuals, so we don’t have to make any general thing. We only have to work with him and see what will happen. It is the same with Emre Can.
“A long time ago I had an ACL and I played after four months. No one could believe it worked but I never had a problem. Why should we say now the season is over when we still believe there can be a few games?”
The Liverpool manager is likely to make several changes against Newcastle United on Saturday with the Europa League semi-final at Villarreal on Thursday. Rafael Benítez will make his second competitive appearance at Anfield since leaving the club in 2010, and Klopp hopes the Champions League-winning manager receives a rapturous reception.
He added: “I know him. I like Rafa. We met a few times at Uefa meetings. I really like him. From my point of view, if somebody wants to celebrate the memories of the Istanbul game, they’re very welcome. That’s how I would say hello to a good old friend. Nobody has to ignore this wonderful moment. Do what you feel.”
