Xherdan Shaqiri has been reassured of his key role in Liverpool’s first-team plans.
Speculation about Shaqiri’s future arose during the recent international break with a lack of regular opportunities said to be behind his desire to leave Anfield.
The former Bayern Munich forward racked up just 19 combined minutes in all competitions this season prior to suffering a recurring call problem in September.
But Jurgen Klopp insists Shaqiri, who joined the Reds ahead of the 2018/19 campaign, is still an integral part to play for the Premier League leaders.
“Why should I speak about something which is absolutely not interesting for us? That’s the world outside,” said Klopp.
“He was five weeks injured. I cannot help the people [speculating].
“Before that, we spoke about [earlier in the season) that he didn’t exactly have as many games as he wanted to, but that’s pretty much all.
“When I am with him, he’s completely happy, completely fine here and speculation is speculation – nothing that we can change.
“I’ve no idea what I could say about that. Of course he has a future here but we all speak about the future always until the season ends so that’s how it is.
“In the moment, nobody thinks about that. In this season, he’s a very, very important for us.”
Asked if the Swiss international’s return will provide a welcome boost to Liverpool’s attacking options, he added; “Yes, but he needs to be fit for that.
“That’s all that we are concerned about at the moment.
“He was out long and now he trained. It was really good in moments and in other moments it was different to the rehab stuff that he did before.
“But it’s good, very good.
“The most intense period is coming up now so he will be ready for that hopefully if nothing happens again and you will see him on the pitch, 100 per cent.”