Jurgen Klopp is hopeful of Diogo Jota and Trent Alexander-Arnold returning to Liverpool training next week.
Both players have missed the last couple of months with respective injuries
Klopp also suggested that Alisson Becker is closing in on his own return although he is yet to receive an update from the goalkeeping department
Klopp revealed Wataru Endo is a doubt for the next game after a knock against Brighton.
Klopp
"Curtis Jones is in training, is in contention,"
"Yes, that is it pretty much. The boys are doing well, Diogo and Trent are together in a group but it just looks like next week hopefully in parts of team training.
"No Alisson, he looks good but in his mind as well, next week he will be part of team training."
"Thursday-Sunday, Thursday-Sunday, Wednesday-Saturday, these are the next games so we need everyone who can come back.
"In an ideal world we can be full strength but it is probably not possible. It is a tough period, exciting as well. "Looking forward to it.
"All the games coming up are difficult for different reasons but we are really looking forward to it.
"If I think about Manchester United now, I think our people would think I've been here too long in the chair.
"We want to use them but because Curtis is back it doesn't mean he can play 90 minutes. Some players need momentum but how can you do that?
"It has nothing to do with Manchester United when we play Sheffield United, they have our full respect."
The Reds are currently without Alisson, Matip, Alexander-Arnold, Thiago Alcantara, Jota, Jones and Stefan Bajcetic,
On Endo, Klopp said:
"He is very important, come on, it's Wataru. What a player, what a guy. He has a little bit of a knock from the last game so we will have to see tomorrow what we can do with him.
"The skillset of each player is crucial to how we want to play but offensively the protections needs to be first and foremost.
"Has to be perfect, gives you the freedom to fly offensively if you want and a natural defensive minded midfielder is super helpful.
"He is doing that well. In possession he is doing really well too. Partners up with everyone really well, with Mac Allister, Curtis, Elliott, Szoboszlai, so it has worked out well. Super important."
Klopp was also asked how the players will cope with being thrust into the title battle after some time on the sidelines.
Klopp said
"If there are different ways [to get players back] we would have but they just need minutes and they will be needed.,"
"Maybe next week. I hope it's not the case now with Curtis [he gets injured], he was outstanding until he got injured.
"Outstanding in training but let's see how he gets on. They are building the body again for all these tough things coming in Premier League games but there are no others way.
"Only thing is the better we are playing the easier it is to step in from the sidelines. We need them, they have to be back, potentially 14 games in six or seven weeks.
"Really tough schedule. We need them, for the first time it'd be nice if we had a bit of luck with players coming back. Stefan Bajcetic has trained fully with U21s this week and then he trains with the seniors next week."
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