Klopp accepts Liverpool transfer error as 'benchmark set' for Bellingham deal

04 February 2023 , 02:00

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Klopp accepts Liverpool transfer error as 'benchmark set' for Bellingham deal

Liverpool will look to get their season back on track this weekend when they face Wolverhampton Wanderers.

After defeat to Brighton in the FA Cup last time out, the Reds are now out of both domestic cup competitions and facing an uphill battle for a top-four finish. That battle resumes on Saturday with a tricky tie against a resurgent Wolves side.

Jurgen Klopp will head to the Midlands without a host of first-team stars, but their injury issues are beginning to ease. A number of those injured stars have been named in Klopp’s Champions League squad for the second half of the season - but there is a notable omission.

And the Liverpool boss has also had his say on Chelsea ’s transfer window, as reports claim it could impact their own summer plans. Here are the latest Liverpool headlines:

Injury issues easing

Klopp has confirmed that Diogo Jota is set to resume full training next week, in a major boost for Liverpool’s hopes for the second half of the season. The Portuguese hasn’t played since picking up a calf injury during the win over Man City in October.

Chelsea complete record-breaking Enzo Fernandez transfer after deadline day rush

Jota subsequently missed the World Cup and has been rehabbing ahead of his return. Speaking on Friday, Klopp confirmed that the injury list was beginning to shorten, with Jota, Roberto Firmino and Luis Diaz all eyeing a return to full fitness.

Diogo Jota is nearing a Liverpool return (Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

“Generally it’s looking better. The boys are training, Diogo Jota had a full session with the team this week but then the next day had again a rehab session, not because of the session the day before, it was just part of the plan. I think he will be back in normal training next week.

“Bobby is getting closer obviously, very good. Luis is running now, it will take a few weeks still but he is now out on the pitch as well running, which is really good.”

Summer transfer error acknowledged

Arthur Melo has been left out of Liverpool’s Champions League squad for the knockout stages. The Reds take on Real Madrid in the last-16 of the competition in a rematch of last season’s final.

Arthur Melo has so far made one appearance for Liverpool this season (Getty Images)

Klopp will be hoping to have all his big guns back for the reigning European champions, but one player who definitely won’t be involved is Arthur Melo.

The Brazilian midfielder was signed on deadline day of the summer window, with the Reds in the midst of another injury crisis. But the Juventus loanee has played just 13 senior minutes in the five months since his arrival.

Klopp last week stated his recovery from a thigh injury was going well, but he will be restricted to playing in the Premier League alone. Such has been the disappointing nature of his loan spell, there had been suggestions his time on Merseyside could be cut short, but he will remain - albeit in a limited capacity.

Chelsea’s impact on summer plans

Liverpool remain linked with Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham (Ralf Treese/Getty Images)

Klopp joked that he would need a lawyer present if he was to discuss Chelsea’s record-breaking January window. Unlike Liverpool - who bought just one player - the Blues completely revamped their squad in a spree which totalled more than £300m.

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Klopp was asked for his thoughts and said: "I say nothing without my lawyer. I don't understand this part of the business but it's a big number.

“They are all really good players so congratulations. I don't understand how it's possible, but it's not for me to explain how it works."

But behind the scenes, there is a feeling that Chelsea’s pursuit of Enzo Fernandez set the benchmark for what they may have to pay for Jude Bellingham. The World Cup winner eventually cost £105m, despite only playing for half a season in European football.

BILD via Caught Offside report that Borussia Dortmund will now use that as a starting point for Bellingham negotiations, with the Germans unlikely to accept anything less.

Ben Husband