11:18

Jurgen Klopp has said Rhian Brewster is not in his plans for the remainder of the season as the young Liverpool striker continues his rehabilitation from ankle and knee surgery.

The highly-rated 18-year-old has been sidelined for 12 months having damaged ankle ligaments and his meniscus in an under-23s game against Manchester City. Brewster was pictured running at Melwood earlier this week but an impending return to competitive action was ruled out on Friday by Klopp, who insists there is no need to rush the England Under-17 World Cup winner’s recovery.

“He’s not as far as he would like to be,” the Liverpool manager said. “He’s outside training, his running looks much better since he had this other little surgery. He’s in a good way but it will take time. But it’s no problem, he has the time.

“We don’t have to think about him before the pre-season, I would say. He’s in a good mood. He’s a nice fella, really integrated in the team, but so far he couldn’t show it on the pitch. But our opinion about him will not change. We have to wait a little longer for him.”

Klopp provided a more positive update on Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain who, like Brewster, has not featured this season due to serious knee injury. The manager added: “He’s closer than Rhian, he’s on a very good way but it will still take time. Last time, I think I put a bit of pressure on the medical department but when I see him running or on the ball, it looks good, promising, close to return. No problems, no swellings, he can work on his fitness issues. I think we will see him this season.”