Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has revealed that striker Christian Benteke could be in line for a start in the Europa League clash with Rubin Kazan on Thursday, according to the Daily Express.
The Belgian international has seen his Reds career hampered by injuries so far, but the Express claims that Klopp feels he is a step ahead of Roberto Firmino in terms of his selection plans.
Firmino started last weekend’s clash against strugglers Chelsea, but it was Benteke that made a bigger impact by coming off the bench to score in the 3-1 victory.
And it was that late appearance from Benteke that has led Klopp to renew his confidence in his fitness.
“The decision between Roberto and Christian… Christian was not 100 per cent, so he needs time to play,” he said.
“Now he is a big step ahead so we can plan with him.
“He played against Southampton, then Bournemouth he couldn’t – little problems. We could bring him on with fresh legs. That’s perfect.”
However, despite that, he also took time to praise Firmino and his creative qualities, having started the Chelsea game in a ‘false nine’ role.
“Roberto is very important in this position for us because he can hold the ball,” he explained.
“He plays between the lines and he is very creative. He can do much better, that’s the good news, but it was not too bad.”
The Reds will be looking to build on the victory over Chelsea by earning a positive result in Russia.
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