Jurgen Klopp has saluted Danny Ings’ desire to return to action for Liverpool, but believes patience is the best practice for the striker.
The 23-year-old damaged his anterior cruciate ligament in the manager’s first week in charge back in October, and has been tireless in ensuring a speedier recovery process from the injury.
He resumed full training last week, and has looked impressive in sessions, but Klopp is wary of straining the attacker so early into his comeback.
The Reds boss described the way Ings “attacked his rehab and the hunger he has shown to be back with the team” as an “inspiration,” but the summer signing from Burnley is unlikely to be named in the matchday squad for the clash against Chelsea at Anfield on Wednesday night.
“What can I say? Danny is healthy. He cannot be [match] fit in a champion way, not 100 per cent fit of course, but he’s in a really good way,” explained Klopp.
“We will see what happens. For tomorrow, absolutely not. Maybe, maybe [he can be in the] squad, if it makes sense - I’m not too sure.
“We will see the progress over the next few days. His first session on the pitch was like he was never away, but then his body shoots back the next morning.
“Getting up, it’s not too easy because it’s a completely different intensity in this kind of training than before.
“We have to see how he reacts to all our training sessions, but he’s really in a good way.”
Klopp admitted he may have a contrasting view to Ings of the current scenario.
“I think it’s a really good situation because he will be 100 per cent when we start for the pre-season, that’s great,” the manager said.
“I’m pretty sure Ingsy sees it a little different because he’ll think, ‘if it is was one or two weeks longer this season, then I could have played for sure.’
“So that’s how it is. Maybe it’s not enough time for him, but next season, we’ll have a lot of fun with him for sure.”
Before Ings tore his ACL, he’d enjoyed a fine start to his Liverpool career following the move from Turf Moor. He scored three goals in five starts and was rewarded with a full England debut against Lithuania.
At the end of April, a tribunal determined the Reds would have to pay Burnely a £6.5 million compensation fee for Ings, due to the forward being under the age of 24, with a further £1.5m in contingencies.
The Clarets were also awarded a 20 per cent sell-on clause.
- Goal