Loris Karius is set to return to the Liverpool goal for Sunday’s FA Cup tie against Plymouth Argyle, with Jürgen Klopp confident his compatriot has benefited from a spell out of the spotlight.
The 23-year-old goalkeeper has not featured in Liverpool’s past five matches having lost his place to Simon Mignolet following costly mistakes against Bournemouth and West Ham United. Although Mignolet has impressed on his return to the side, Klopp is expected to rotate his goalkeepers for the third-round tie at Anfield. He believes the decision to withdraw Karius from the fierce criticism and debate that surrounded his form last month will prove beneficial in the long term.
Asked whether the £4.7m summer signing from Mainz could start on Sunday, Klopp replied: “Big chance. He trained outstandingly, which was good to see. It is difficult to speak about things in public because you make it a big story and that is part of the problem, but we cannot ignore the pressure you make. We have to cope with it and deal with it and that is why we made the change.
“I am sure Loris will benefit from this step back or step aside. Simon has done an outstandingly good job since he has been playing again and Loris has forced him to train at the highest level because we have two really good goalkeepers. It was good for him.”
The Liverpool manager also has Joe Gomez in line for his first start since a Europa League game at home to Sion on 1 October 2015, having recovered from cruciate ligament and achilles injuries. Liverpool face Southampton in the first leg of the EFL Cup semi-final on Wednesday and after a demanding festive schedule, Klopp admits fresh legs are a necessity. “We have to rotate,” he said. “It is not because of the last game [a 2-2 draw at Sunderland] but maybe the next game in this case. I’m pretty sure we will see a few fresh legs.”
Philippe Coutinho and Joël Matip will not be available to face the League Two side Plymouth although Klopp described the pair as “on a good way” in their recovery from ankle injuries. Jordan Henderson remains absent with a heel problem and Daniel Sturridge has not trained this week having sustained an ankle injury at the Stadium of Light. The striker could return to training before the Plymouth game, however.
