Speaking in a press-conference ahead of Liverpool's home game with Swansea on Sunday, the German said the injury-plagued forward had to adapt to the new intensity of training under his tutelage.

'I cannot think of this like you because I have not been here that long. But I understand. His body had to adapt to the new intensity of training and learn what is serious pain and what is only pain.

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'Everyone wants him back on the pitch but we all have to learn. Training for him was intensive. But we have to stay patient. I am sorry for you, sorry for me, sorry for him.'

Manager Jurgen Klopp has yet to field him in the nine matches he has had in charge since taking over from Brendan Rodgers - the closest the England international has got to the team was being named as a substitute for Saturday's win at Manchester City.

There was further cause for concern when Klopp admitted he was not sure if Belgian forward Christian Benteke was ready to play two games in three days.

But there was encouraging news on club captain Jordan Henderson, who has not played since August due to a broken foot, though Klopp remained coy on his return to the first-team.

“We have to wait every day how we adapt the intensity of the last day, that’s all we can say,” he said.

“If [Henderson’s] ready we can see. I’m waiting for him.”

“For a player like him, with his history with injury, he’s always on the door. I like this.'

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