Klopp defends his Salah substitution

Mohamed Salah is likely to be the next Liverpool player rested after Jurgen Klopp revealed that the Egyptian’s controversial substitution against Everton was precautionary due to a “little” hamstring issue.

Salah is fit to face West Bromwich Albion tonight, but he will be managed carefully over the hectic Christmas period.

Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino were surprisingly left out of the Merseyside derby last weekend, Klopp explaining that, too, was a preventive measure.

The Liverpool coach reluctantly disclosed more details about why he felt it necessary to make the changes before and during the 1-1 draw with Everton. He said he had grounds to be concerned about injuries, but felt broadcasting this information would be seen as “an excuse” following heavy criticism of his team selection. “I took Mo off because he had a hamstring a little bit,” said Klopp. “Then everyone said ‘How can you take him off?’ I do not go out and say ‘Yeah, but he is close to being injured’. He is not at the moment, thank God.”

Klopp said Coutinho and Firmino were fit to start, but he took the decision based on “information”.

“I am advised but I take the decision 100 per cent,” he said. “Roberto and Phil could have played. Nobody told me leave them out, it was my decision. Emre [Can] and Gini [Wijnaldum] as well.

“We have a little information after a game and sometimes that leads to a decision that sometimes you should not go with the risk of this player or that player.

“When it works well it is really good, but when it does not work perfectly, you ask questions. We have to do it. Seven games in 21 days before Everton and now six games in 18 days.”

Asked why he did not explain his caution before or immediately after the game, Klopp said: “It would sound like an excuse. I do not want to deliver that. I do not need an excuse. I make the decision. You should know that after two years.

“I want to win the game 100 per cent, but, on the other side, I work with human beings and see them every day. I know if they have a sore throat, a knee problem or whatever. Then you have 11 others who are top quality and ready to go.”