---
title: "Virals: Jurgen Klopp confirms key trio are nearing return to fitness"
canonical: "https://readliverpoolfc.com/news/virals-jurgen-klopp-confirms-key-trio-are-nearing-return-to-fitness/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Dan Clubbe"
section: "Liverpool News"
published: "2021-11-30T13:00:00Z"
modified: "2021-11-30T13:09:00Z"
---

# Virals: Jurgen Klopp confirms key trio are nearing return to fitness

[Liverpool](https://readliverpoolfc.com/2021/11/30/virals-liverpool-eyeing-move-for-juventus-outcast-aaron-ramsey/) manager Jurgen Klopp has been speaking ahead of what looks set to be a mouth-watering Merseyside derby on Wednesday night (December 1).

The Reds make the short trip across Stanley Park to face local rivals Everton at Goodison Park with the two sides [in very contrasting moments](https://www.liverpoolfc.com/match/2021-22/men/fixtures-and-results) in time.

Klopp’s side are riding the crest of a wave following the international break whilst Rafa Benitez’s men are [without a win in seven fixtures](https://www.evertonfc.com/results).

Despite a host of key absentees in recent weeks, Liverpool have continued to look the part of [Premier League](https://www.premierleague.com/tables) title contenders.

Klopp told the gathered journalists at a [pre-match press conference](https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/jurgen-klopps-pre-everton-press-conference) that Joe Gomez, Naby Keita and Roberto Firmino were nearing a return to action.

> Klopp: “Everybody came through well from Saturday’s game. The boys who are out are getting closer.” \
> Gomez and Keita “not too far from team training”. Firmino “needs another week to do more football stuff”. [#LFC](https://twitter.com/hashtag/LFC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) \
> With Jones “we just have to wait”.
>
> — James Pearce (@JamesPearceLFC) [November 30, 2021](https://twitter.com/JamesPearceLFC/status/1465662860932136975?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

Firmino and Gomez have both been [absent for multiple weeks](https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/liverpool-injury-news-keita-firmino-21730350) following hamstring and calf problems respectively.

Dynamic midfielder Keita has also been out with a [hamstring issue](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/articles/c5nn2z48x78o) and will be offer a big boost to the squad when fully fit.

Liverpool will be out to exact some form of revenge having [tasted defeat last time out](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/56033685) against the Blues.

Furthermore, this fixture last season saw [Virgil van Dijk and Thiago](https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11669/12106351/liverpools-virgil-van-dijk-and-thiago-injured-against-everton) pick up serious injuries.

### READ LIVERPOOL VERDICT

Having that trio at least nearing fitness is a huge plus for the Reds as the [busiest period of the season](https://www.premierleague.com/news/2171434) fast approaches.

Klopp is evidently attempting to play down the furore around this fixture, particularly with a certain [ex-Liverpool manager](https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11671/12482344/everton-vs-liverpool-merseyside-derby-offers-rafael-benitez-the-chance-to-finally-win-over-disgruntled-fanbase) in situ in the opposition dugout.

> Klopp: "We know there are some special things around derbies but it's a football game as well, that's how we approach it. We understand the supporters' soul and we try to fill their wishes. Derbies are in focus but we approach it like a \[normal\] football game."
>
> — Paul Gorst (@ptgorst) [November 30, 2021](https://twitter.com/ptgorst/status/1465659272705069058?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

For supporters, it could be harder to keep emotions in check as the Reds attempt to maintain their [superb form](https://www.skysports.com/liverpool-results) and secure bragging rights over their local adversaries.

Ultimately a victory and another clean bill of health is all Kopites will be hoping for.