After returning to full training this week, Daniel Sturridge is unlikely to feature in Liverpool’s Europa League clash with Rubin Kazan.

Sturridge was ruled out of Saturday’s 0-0 draw with Tottenham Hotspur, and looks likely to miss out on the Liverpool squad for Klopp’s first outing at Anfield.

Speaking to reporters at Melwood ahead of Thursday’s Europa League clash with Rubin, Klopp said that the striker “is getting better and better.”

“Yesterday he was outside for the first time since Saturday,” he said.

“It was okay. The target for him is Sunday, for sure. That’s what we try to do.”

Klopp is understandably wary about treating the goalscorer’s fitness issues, with Sturridge having undergone major surgery on a hip injury over the summer.

Divock Origi was fielded as a lone striker against Spurs, coming close to a goal with a headed effort in the first half, and could continue to lead the line against Rubin.

Klopp also confirmed that Christian Benteke, Roberto Firmino and Dejan Lovren had all returned to first-team training, but said they are “not really starter options” for Thursday.

We’ll have full, unedited video of Klopp’s press conference online shortly, subscribe to our Youtube channel to get the video and training footage from Melwood today.