Klopp remains defiant despite losing Sakho

Liverpool boss Jürgen Klopp says losing Mamadou Sakho doesn’t mean that our chase for European silverware this season is over.

The Reds won’t select Sakho while UEFA’s investigation into his failed drug’s test is ongoing but the boss says he still has plenty of options available to him.

Having already lost Jordan Henderson, Emre Can and Divock Origi to injury in recent weeks, many supporters are starting to think that Thursday’s semi-final first leg away tie to Villarreal could prove too challenging but the boss appears to be a little more defiant.

Klopp said: “Momentum is not about having the best squad ready to play. Momentum is to be ready to fight.

“Villarreal also have had a lot of games. They play after our game against Real Sociedad and have a little fight for the Champions League.

“We need to be prepared. It isn’t about always having the best players but being perfectly prepared for our next game. Then we can go on.”

He added: “Martin Skrtel was not happy that he did not start [against Newcastle], but overall he’s cool.

“He was never really injured when I got here. He could train, play, rest, but then he was injured. Came back, little injury. Back, little injury. Back, a little fit. If we need him he can play.

“We have other players so we can say ‘come on, a few days more’. We have Martin, Dejan, Kolo, Lucas and Tiago Ilori so we have a few players who can play centre-half.”