Here is your Liverpool morning digest for Friday, December 23.
Jurgen Klopp makes Roberto Firmino injury admission and gives timeframe for return of Liverpool World Cup players
Jurgen Klopp confirmed Roberto Firmino was injured in training for Liverpool "two days ago" as he missed the Carabao Cup clash against Manchester City.
The Liverpool manager admitted Fabinho, Jordan Henderson and Alisson Becker all could have played in the cup tie with City, but it was decided more rest would be given to the World Cup trio.
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Virgil van Dijk has now returned to training after Netherlands were knocked out of the World Cup by Argentina in a quarter-final penalty shootout.
Read the full story HERE
'It's sad' - Jamie Carragher makes honest Cristiano Ronaldo admission in Lionel Messi debate
Jamie Carragher has praised Cristiano Ronaldo for the mental fortitude in competing with Lionel Messi for the last two decades - but added that the 37-year-old's recent behaviour has left people 'gunning for him'.
Ronaldo was released by Manchester United last month after an explosive interview with Piers Morgan in which he slated the club who employed him and admitted he had no respect for manager Erik ten Hag. Those statements were just the latest in a string of ill-advised decisions from the Portuguese international, who had previously stormed down the tunnel or out of Old Trafford prior to matches ending.
The veteran forward hoped to seek refuge with the Portugal squad in Qatar, but endured a similarly demoralising experience when he was benched for a round-of-16 match against Switzerland that his side - seemingly rejuvenated by his absence - won 6-1. Amid all of this, long-time rival Messi carried his Argentina side to a first World Cup since 1986, the crowning glory in his career and arguably the final honour to elevate him as the best player ever.
Read the full story HERE
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