Klopp hopeful Can will play for Liverpool again this season

Jurgen Klopp has ruled Emre Can out of Liverpool’s crucial Champions League clash with Manchester City on Tuesday night but is hopeful he will play again this season.

Can has missed Liverpool’s last three matches with a back injury and was not able to take part in Germany’s friendlies during the international break at the end of last month.

The 24-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season and is widely expected to leave Liverpool for nothing and reports emerged suggesting he has already played his final game for the club.

However, speaking ahead of Tuesday’s match against City, Klopp is hopeful that Can will recover in time to feature again this season.

“That is not in the best place,” Klopp told the club’s official website. [He is receiving] treatment and we’re still hoping it will be a little quicker than maybe we thought in the first moment. But we cannot say anything else.”

With Jordan Henderson suspended for Liverpool for their second leg, it leaves Klopp short of options at the heart of his midfield with Georginio Wijnaldum expected to deputise.

Can is enjoying his best ever season for Liverpool, garnering his highest WhoScored league rating (7.28).