Liverpool are hopeful that Mohamed Salah will be fit for the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final with Manchester City - but Emre Can is certain to miss out.

The Reds' 38-goal hero was taken off as a precaution during Wednesday night's 3-0 win over City and is unlikely to feature against Everton at Goodison on Saturday.

Salah felt some discomfort in his groin but medical staff believe it's only minor and he could be back for Tuesday's crunch clash at the Etihad.

However, Can's hopes of making his comeback in the Merseyside derby this weekend have been dashed.

The Germany international, who is out of contract this summer, still hasn't returned to training at Melwood due to an ongoing back injury.

Liverpool have played down reports that his season is over but he won't be ready to face City on Tuesday and is expected to be sidelined for another couple of weeks.

His absence is a major blow for Jurgen Klopp, who will be without captain Jordan Henderson for the second leg as he serves a one-match European ban.

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The manager's midfield options have also been depleted by Adam Lallana's hamstring injury.

Can hurt his back playing against Watford three weeks ago and was forced to withdraw from the Germany squad.

Klopp initially expected him back in training last weekend but with the 24-year-old still in pain that plan was shelved.

"Emre doesn't look too bad but he won't be in time for Wednesday night, hopefully Saturday," Klopp declared on Tuesday.

Now his comeback has been delayed again. With Can still out, Liverpool will only have three senior midfielders available for the second leg in James Milner, Gini Wijnaldum and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.