Klopp expects Matip to face Chelsea, Lallana return getting 'nearer'

Jurgen Klopp thinks Liverpool centre-back Joel Matip could recover from a knock in time for Saturday's clash with Chelsea, while Adam Lallana is nearing a return from his thigh injury.

Matip was unable to feature in Liverpool's 3-0 win over Southampton last weekend because of a minor thigh strain suffered in training and he will also be out of Tuesday's Champions League trip to Sevilla.

But Klopp has at least been able to ease the fears of supporters, with the Cameroon international expected to be back in contention by the time Chelsea visit Anfield.

"The squad looks good," Klopp told Liverpool's official website. "They are pretty much all here from the normal squad, apart from Joel. He is in Liverpool and full training, so all good.

"He is good. I think there will be a big chance he will be ready for Saturday, but there was no chance for this game - it was a little bit too quick, but it's all good."

Lallana has been out of action since the start of August and is yet to appear this term, but Klopp says he is getting close to returning.

"He is getting nearer and nearer," Klopp said. "But we need him for the rest of the season and not for the next weeks.

"He is really knocking on the door and it's fantastic that he is back. It's great."