Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp keeps his cards close over Daniel Sturridge's Villarreal role with Emre Can a potential ace in-hand

  • Liverpool have a 1-0 deficit in their Europa League semi-final with Villarreal
  • Jurgen Klopp refused to reveal whether Daniel Sturridge would start
  • The Reds boss called on Anfield to create another special European night
  • The confirmation of Emre Can's involvement should boost Liverpool fans

Jurgen Klopp is giving away no secrets about how he will topple Villarreal as Daniel Sturridge waits to see if he will be given the task of firing Liverpool into the Europa League final.

The England striker cut a frustrated figure in the Reds' defeat at Swansea on Sunday, leading the line in an inexperienced side.

In last week's first leg Klopp opted to use Roberto Firmino in the No 9 role, with Sturridge an unused substitute at Estadio El Madrigal.

Jurgen Klopp showed his full range of facial expressions on media duty ahead of Villarreal's visit to Anfield

Jurgen Klopp showed his full range of facial expressions on media duty ahead of Villarreal's visit to Anfield

The German played up for the camera in the briefing at Liverpool's Melwood base with an inquisitive eyebrow

The German played up for the camera in the briefing at Liverpool's Melwood base with an inquisitive eyebrow

Daniel Sturridge cut a frustrated figure as he failed to get on the scoresheet in Liverpool's defeat at Swansea

Asked if the 26-year-old striker could be in line for a start as Liverpool look to overturn the 1-0 first-leg deficit, Klopp remained coy.

'It could be (a game for Sturridge) 100 per cent but I have made no decision until now,' said the German.

DANIEL STURRIDGE STATS 2015-16

PREMIER LEAGUE

Appearances: 10(3)

Goals: 8

EUROPA LEAGUE 

Appearances: 4(2)

Goals: 1

FA CUP

Appearances: 0(1)

Goals: 0

LEAGUE CUP 

Appearances: 2

Goals: 2

'We have to think about how we can react to different situations, that is what I think about, and in all these thoughts Daniel Sturridge is absolutely involved.'

After their dramatic win in the second leg of the quarter-final over Borussia Dortmund Klopp does not appear overly bothered by the 1-0 defeat in Spain.

Anfield produced another special European night against his former club and the German boss called on the home supporters to create a similar atmosphere.

'When Villarreal scored in the first leg it was not the best moment in my life, but it's a normal result,' he added.

The Reds manager knows his side have a job on their hands overturning the 1-0 first-leg deficit 

The Reds manager knows his side have a job on their hands overturning the 1-0 first-leg deficit 

The Anfield chief appeared to be in a relaxed mood as he attended the press briefing in jeans and a hoodie

The Anfield chief appeared to be in a relaxed mood as he attended the press briefing in jeans and a hoodie

'We have the second half of this semi-final.

'We've thought a lot about our game. We know more about what's useful, what's necessary for this game.

'Our skills, our quality, our passion, our readiness together with atmosphere of Anfield, is what I am looking for.'

The Reds will be boosted by the return of Emre Can, who has not played since going off injured against Dortmund.

Emre Can returned to training after recovering from an ankle injury picked up against Borussia Dortmund

Emre Can returned to training after recovering from an ankle injury picked up against Borussia Dortmund

Klopp has to ponder including Sturridge and Can from the start in the Europa League semi-final second leg

Klopp has to ponder including Sturridge and Can from the start in the Europa League semi-final second leg

Having returned to training only this week it is unlikely the midfielder will start against Villarreal, but Klopp confirmed he will be under consideration.

'Emre Can is ready to return to the squad for sure,' he confirmed, before revealing Jordan Henderson is unlikely to play again for the club this season.

'Hendo is in a good way for England, I'm not sure how good a way it is for Liverpool.

'He's not been on the pitch until now. We will have to see day-by-day how that improvement is.

'Only Emre will return to the squad for this game.'