Jurgen Klopp asks 'why is he not playing' after watching injured Liverpool player in training

Jurgen Klopp expressed his confusion over an injured Liverpool star as he provided a promising update.

After winning the Carabao Cup, Liverpool will look to get their hands on another piece of silverware as they face Southampton in the fifth round of the FA Cup.

They host the Championship outfit at Anfield on Wednesday, with Klopp eyeing his second FA Cup following their triumph in the 2021/22 season.

Ahead of taking on the Saints, the Liverpool boss gave an update on the club's forgotten man Stefan Bajcetic, who has seen his transfer value increase since rising to prominence.

His breakout season in the 2022/23 was cruelly cut short due to an adductor problem, having impressed after playing 19 games in all competitions.

The 19-year-old has made just two appearances this season.

He won't 'be back soon' but the German has said he's 'pain-free' as he nears full fitness.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, he said: "I had lunch here and saw him training. I sat there and thought 'why is he not playing?'

"He's obviously gaining fitness now. he's running around like 'wow!' He's doing everything but he didn't get [the] green light yet for us for the team training.

"And there's nobody in this building who wants to hold him back, so there might be some reasons.

"He's pain-free, completely pain-free, which is the most important thing. All checks we made, scans again, bone looks good, all fine."

Stefan Bajcetic in action for Liverpool. Image: Getty

Klopp added: "Now we just need to make sure of the moment [we decide] we use him again in normal training because the difficulty of football is such a complex sport for the body.

"For me he looks good, but how good, I get told. I cannot decide. Nobody told me he will be back soon."

Klopp could call upon Bajcetic's services towards the end of the season as the Reds fight on three fronts, having claimed one trophy.