Wijnaldum proves to Klopp

FILLING the hole left by Mohamed Salah will prove a taxing problem for Jurgen Klopp should the Egyptian striker not recover in time to face Manchester City tomorrow night.

But the Liverpool manager at least satisfied himself that Georginio Wijnaldum can adequately deputise for suspended skipper Jordan Henderson in the Champions League quarter-final second leg.

Asked to suppress natural attacking instincts

EVERTON LIVERPOOL

in a building and holding role against Everton at Goodison, Wijnaldum put in a “mature” performance according to Klopp, who will, barring further injury, deploy him alongside Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and James Milner at the Etihad.

“It was obviously the plan to use the chance and yes, it was good,” said Klopp. “Gini is a brilliant player for an attacking wide midfielder but he is creative, he is good with the ball, has a good vision and is physically strong.

“There was one moment when he started dribbling out from the back and I was like, ‘Do you want to put grey hairs on my head?’, but no, it was a mature performance and I liked that.”

Wijnaldum greater test will face a when City’s midfield options are fizzing around him but the greater concern if Salah cannot play a full part is who provides penetration on the counter-attack.

Predictably, given his importance to the side, Klopp played his cards close to his chest regarding their talisman, who is likely to be in the match-day squad, despite limping off with a groin injury at Anfield last Wednesday. Separate auditions by Dominic Solanke and