Klopp confirms Liverpool boost and admits Leicester "not in a good situation"

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has provided a positive update ahead of Liverpool's Premier League meeting with Leicester City, with the Reds preparing to welcome back some key men.

Klopp's men are up against the Foxes for the second time in a week, having eliminated Brendan Rodgers' side from the Carabao Cup on penalties, and their opponents are severely depleted at the back.

Ricardo Pereira suffered a broken leg in the last meeting between the sides, joining the likes of Wesley Fofana, James Justin, Jonny Evans, Caglar Soyuncu and Ryan Bertrand on the sidelines.

A makeshift Leicester defence shipped six goals at Manchester City on Boxing Day, and Liverpool - who saw their game against Leeds United postponed - are in far better health.

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"Leicester are not in a good situation. They have injuries," Klopp acknowledged ahead of Tuesday's league clash.

However, he recognised the attacking threat posed by Brendan Rodgers' side, who were 4-0 down at City inside half an hour before briefly getting back within one goal of their opponents in an eventual 6-3 defeat.

"We went out for training when it was 4-0 and then I was told it was 4-3.

"Wow! They were obviously close. They are a good team and what Brendan is doing is exceptional."

Liverpool named a much-changed side for the cup meeting, having been without some key men for their last league game against Tottenham, but the manager revealed he is able to welcome back a number of those absentees after their recovery from Covid.

"The boys who had to isolate are back - Fab, Virg, Curtis and Thiago. Thiago trained yesterday with the team," Klopp confirmed.

"We have one young player who is isolating and two staff members."

Liverpool will still not be at full-strength for the trip to the King Power Stadium, with Andy Robertson serving a three-match ban after picking up a straight red card against Tottenham.

However, both sides will have their Africa Cup of Nations representatives available after Premier League clubs were granted permission to release players in early January rather than late December.

This means Liverpool can call upon Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Naby Keita, while Kelechi Iheanacho - who delivered a goal and two assists at the Etihad Stadium - will be available for the home side.

Iheanacho's Nigeria teammate Wilfred Ndidi will also be available after staying on the bench for Leicester's last game, as will Ghana international Daniel Amartey.

Victory for Liverpool on Tuesday would see them close the gap to Premier League leaders Manchester City to three points, with Pep Guardiola's side due to take on Brentford away from home the following day.