Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has admitted his surprise after learning Mateo Kovacic had recovered in time for Chelsea to feature in the FA Cup final.
The Croatian hobbled off during the 3-0 win over Leeds United on Wednesday following a high lunge from Daniel James that saw the winger sent off. Kovacic injured his ankle and Thomas Tuchel had rated his chances as “very unlikely” only on Thursday.
But the 27-year-old has made a remarkable recovery after being tested out in training on Friday before the Blues’ final. And it seems the central midfielder had done enough to prove his fitness to earn a starting berth alongside Jorginho in the midfield. And Klopp, whose side are chasing their slim chances of achieving an unprecedented quadruple, admits he was shocked to see Kovacic named in Tuchel’s starting XI having witnessed the challenge.
