Liverpool vs Real Madrid: Reds' plans for first leg hinge on key players' fitness
Klopp sweating on availability of several stars ahead of Anfield showdown
Liverpool's hopes of taking a significant lead into the second leg of their Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid could hinge on the fitness of several key players.
Jurgen Klopp's side will host the Spanish giants at Anfield on Tuesday night, looking to lay the foundations for a place in the final in Istanbul.
But Klopp is sweating on the fitness of some of his most important players, including Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, and Thiago Alcantara.
Salah was forced off with an injury in Liverpool's FA Cup semi-final win over Manchester City on Saturday, while Van Dijk and Thiago have both been struggling with minor knocks.
Klopp will be desperate to have all three players available for such a crucial match, but he admits that he may have to make some late decisions.
"We have a few players with some minor issues," Klopp said in his pre-match press conference.
"We will have to see how they are tomorrow, but we are hopeful that they will all be available.
"It is a big game, and we will need everyone at their best to get the result we want.
Liverpool are the slight favorites to win the first leg, but they know that Real Madrid are a dangerous side.
The Spanish giants have won the Champions League 14 times, and they are always a threat in this competition.
Klopp is expecting a tough game, but he is confident that his team can get the result they need.
"Real Madrid are a great team, and we know that it will be a difficult game," Klopp said.
"But we are confident in our own abilities, and we believe that we can win.
"We will need to be at our best, but we are ready for the challenge.
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