Jurgen Klopp explains Harvey Elliott substitution as…

Jurgen Klopp explains Harvey Elliott substitution as Liverpool get 'important' double boost

Jurgen Klopp has played down injury fears over Harvey Elliott as the Liverpool manager hailed the comebacks of Naby Keita and Joel Matip in Dubai.

Elliott was withdrawn around the half-hour mark for Melkamu Frauendorf in the 3-1 loss to Lyon on Sunday, but the Reds boss says he is not concerned about the issue at present.

"Harvey got a knock early on, before we scored, but I think we were lucky, it looks fine now," Klopp said. "He feels it, which is normal as there was contact, but I think and I hope we were lucky in that moment."

MATCH RECAP: How Liverpool's game and penalties against Lyon in the Dubai Super Cup unfolded

Matip was excellent at centre-back in the first half, helping his side to a 1-0 lead at the break through Fabio Carvalho's early strike before the defender's substitution coincided with Lyon's response at the Al Maktoum Stadium.

They were Matip's first minutes in a Liverpool shirt since he was withdrawn in the 3-2 defeat to Arsenal in early October, while Keita, who played the last half-hour, was also making his first appearance since the Community Shield win over Manchester City in July.

Klopp added; "It's very important, absolutely very important [to have Matip back]. We did everything in training and there was one session when we got advice to rest him a little bit, but it was not from him, it was the medical department, so that is what we did.

"Apart from that, we did everything and he looked good today. His 45 minutes was, again, what we were allowed to use him for and that is what we did. It's good.

"With Naby, it was his first 30 minutes for a while, which was important, he's an important player. So, yes, the info was that we should only use him for 30 minutes. So against AC Milan next Friday, they are probably able to play a bit longer.

"All the facilities here in Dubai are great, we are really grateful to be given the opportunity to train there, it's a fantastic training ground. The weather is top and everything is good, apart from the result today and parts of the performance.

"We have enjoyed it so far. We will stay here a few more days, we have another game and it is all good. Darwin Nunez will join us tomorrow and then the others, we will see in England again, everyone has a week off after the World Cup.

"It's a chance to reset our minds and body and then we play again pretty quickly, which is Manchester City in the cup, which is as tough as it gets, so yes, that's it.

"For me, the break was good, we had three weeks off and now we train. For the players, the final is December 18 and then cup competitions start again on 22nd, then it is the Premier League and the games come thick and fast."

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