Klopp reveals Matip & Fabinho absence till the end of the year

Liverpool coach Jurgen Klopp stressed that his players Joel Matip and Fabinho will be out of the squad until the end of this year.

Matip has been absent since last October due to an injury, while Fabinho was out of action in late November for the same reason.

When asked about the case of Matip and Fabinho, Klopp said: "There is nothing new; There is no hurry on my part."

"It is clear that they will not be on the team before the end of the year. Therefore, there is no point in asking them," he added in comments highlighted by his club's website.

About facing Salzburg, he explained, "We had multiple options except for Adam Lallana. Adam did not travel with us but he will return to training on Thursday. Under pressure, we could have benefited from him but we do not want that."

Liverpool need to win any result or draw with their hosts Salzburg in order to cross the round of 16, knowing that the loss with one goal will make them bid farewell to the championship in case Napoli's victory over Genk.

The Champions League holder defeated Salzburg 4-3 at Anfield, and qualifying for direct matches is decided.

Liverpool have 10 points in the lead, one point behind Napoli, while the Austrian team has 7 points in third place, while Genk has one point.