KEY POINTS

  • Liverpool won their semi-final first leg 2-0 at Anfield
  • Divock Origi is available for Tuesday's game
  • Liverpool recently defeated Newcastle 1-0 in the league

Jurgen Klopp has offered a positive update about his team ahead of Liverpool FC's Champions League semi-final second leg against Villarreal.

Divock Origi has returned to training after missing out on Liverpool's Premier League clash with Newcastle United last week, Klopp confirmed in a pre-match conference on the eve of the all-important UCL knockout game.

Brazilian forward Roberto Firmino, who missed Liverpool's last five games due to a foot injury, has traveled with the Reds to Spain, but Klopp said he won't be a part of the squad.

"He [Firmino] was running today again, will travel with us but will not be involved in the squad yet. But we hope sooner rather than later," Klopp said in the press conference, Liverpool's official website reported.

Origi, who came on as a substitute for Liverpool against Everton in the Premier League last month, had scored in his side's 2-0 win at Anfield. Having made 17 competitive appearances for Liverpool in the 2021-22 campaign, Origi has netted six goals and three assists.

"We had the issues with a stomach bug – they are all back. I think that's it. No concerns," said Klopp about Origi's situation.

The Belgian striker was on the field just for nine minutes in Liverpool's 2-0 win over Villarreal in the first leg at Anfield.

Naby Keita, who is injury prone, yet a decisive member of the Liverpool side, will also be available for Tuesday's game, Klopp confirmed. Keita scored the winner in the Anfield side's 1-0 win over Newcastle at St. James' Park last Saturday to keep their hopes alive in the title race.

"The player was never in doubt, not for a second, because he's outstanding. It's good he is now available. It's a good option, a very good option to have. Played at the weekend obviously a really good game, so we'll see how long we will use him tomorrow. A very good option," added Klopp.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has spoken out over coronavirus vaccines
Jurgen Klopp was left furious after Liverpool's 2-2 draw at Tottenham AFP / Lindsey Parnaby

Meanwhile, Villarreal head coach Unai Emery has admitted his side needs to play a "perfect game" to defeat the six-time European champions.

"We need to play a perfect game. It is a difficult task, but we're working on the game. We need to find our excellence in certain things and maybe achieve something no one has achieved, which is this kind of comeback. We will try to find some weak spots, something that no one has done this season," Emery said ahead of the game at El Madrigal, BBC Sport reported.