Jurgen Klopp fit for dugout return in Emirates FA Cup replay

Friday 05 Feb 2016
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp will be back on the sidelines on Tuesday

Jurgen Klopp will be back on the sidelines at the Boleyn Ground on Tuesday after a bout of appendicitis kept the Liverpool boss absent last weekend.

The German takes his side into their Emirates FA Cup fourth round replay with West Ham United, after missing Saturday’s game with Sunderland due to surgery.

But he insists he’s fully fit and ready for a return to the dugout as the Reds aim for a fifth round spot and a tie against Blackburn Rovers later this month.

West Ham United v Liverpool

The Emirates FA Cup
Fourth Round Proper replay
7.45pm, Tuesday 9 February 2016
Boleyn Ground, West Ham United
Live on BT Sport
Winners receive £90,000 from prize fund

"The surgeon was great, a Liverpool season ticket holder," revealed Klopp ahead of his side’s trip to east London. 

"I am feeling really good, that is why I am here. If I wasn't fit, I would be at home. 

"I am experienced enough to know it's not a normal coaching game. I won't jump around, because I have a few holes in my body."

Klopp is also hoping to have a few more bodies to select from in his team too, with England striker Daniel Sturridge back in the squad at the weekend and in contention for a start.

The former Chelsea and Manchester City man has endured a frustrating few months since Klopp’s arrival at Anfield, but his return has excited the manager who is now hoping to keep his hitman fit for the long term.

"I think everyone hopes this, Daniel hopes it, I hope it," added Klopp.

"That is absolutely normal, what we tried to do after the last injury. That is what we have to do. It always sounds like a criticism, but it is only a description of the situation, nothing else. 

Emirates FA Cup highlights: Liverpool 0-0 West Ham United

"At this moment, it is a thumbs up. When we saw him in training, you knew why everybody is waiting for him.

"Let's not think about the past and how it was, maybe we can start now, then everything will be good."

Liverpool are also boosted by the potential return to fitness of midfielder Philippe Coutinho and striker Divock Origi.

But with the prospect of extra time in store should the sides share another draw after 90 minutes, Klopp knows he has to weigh up his options carefully.

"It will be complicated, because extra-time is possible," said the former Borussia Dortmund boss.

"We have to look at who will start. Certainly they can't all start together.

"Divock and Phil will hopefully be in the squad."

By FA Staff