Champions League: Klopp Offers Crucial Update Involving Origi Ahead Of Liverpool Vs AC Milan

Jurgen Klopp has hinted at Divock Origi’s involvement in Liverpool FC’s upcoming UEFA Champions League clash with AC Milan on Tuesday.

While Klopp refused to reveal the full line-up for the game at San Siro, he said that Origi, who scored the winner in their 1-0 victory over Wolves on Saturday, will "pretty likely" start against AC Milan, according to Liverpool’s official website.

"It's pretty likely [he'll start]. He knocks on my door and we talk from time to time. It's about letting things happen. He had injuries in the wrong moments. I remember that decisive moment (in 2016) he was flying and got injured. We had to rush him back for the Europa League final. Things like this are decisive for careers. Div [Divock] played behind Mo, Bobby and Sadio. It doesn't mean you're not world-class if you don't start for us. It's a nice story, let's carry on from here," Klopp said at the press conference in Italy.

Origi, who had a forgettable run last season where he made only 17 appearances across competitions, has slowly begun to revive his career with the Reds in the ongoing campaign. While the Belgian forward is yet to start in the Premier League, he came off the bench in Liverpool’s previous fixture against Wolves and scored an incredible injury-time winner to hand the Reds crucial three points. With 34 points, Liverpool are placed second in the 2021-22 Premier League table, one behind leaders Manchester City.

"It's special thing Origi's skillset that he can come and play brilliantly. The biggest game in our history vs Barca, he started and was incredible. He's a positive person. Talented, shoots left and right, really quick, in the air a monster; an interesting package. But that doesn't mean you are a constant starter for Liverpool FC; that is how it is. There are worse things in life than not being a regular starter here," Klopp added further.

In nine competitive appearances this season, Origi has netted four goals and provided two assists as well.

Liverpool have won all their five group games in the Champions League and sealed a place in the Round of 16. Considering the upcoming match against AC Milan is a dead rubber for the Reds, Klopp will have the liberty to rotate and rest a few players.

"We have to rotate, we will rotate, that's clear. I will not give you now the line-up but I cannot change all, so that's another truth. We need to have players on the pitch, so I cannot rotate and then start with nine or whatever, that's not possible. We want to field the best possible side for the situation we are in," said Klopp.

"We played five games in the last 14 or 15 days, which is a lot, and after the Milan game again pretty much the same number of games in a similar amount of time. So we have to make the right decisions and we will," added Klopp in the same press conference.

Following the Champions League fixture, Liverpool have six more games lined up for the rest of the month, including five league games and one League Cup match.