Jurgen Klopp is exercising caution on Thiago Alcantara’s Liverpool return.
He has not featured in the Premier League champions’ previous six matches following a rash challenge by Richarlison during October’s Merseyside derby.
The Spain international is expected to be again absent for the Reds’ forthcoming clash with current leaders Leicester City on Sunday evening.
But Klopp insists that Thiago has not suffered any setbacks in his recovery from the foul by the Everton forward, who was sent off in the 2-2 draw.
He said: “[Thiago’s absence] is a consequence of the injury.
“It was a hit, a straight kick on his knee, so it is a consequence of the injury.
“People are desperate to see him? So am I, but I cannot change these things.
“We have to deal with the consequence of the injuries and the accidents, the fouls, whatever.
“In this game there were fouls, harsh fouls and if he could have played before, he would have, but he couldn’t.
“He is out there on the pitch, running, all that stuff. It will not be too long anymore.
“In the same day we got the horrible [scan] pictures from Virgil and then we were kind of relieved it was not that serious for Thiago.
“But it was always clear it would not be a few days.
“In the first few days we thought it would settle quickly, but it didn’t. So that is what you have to accept and we don’t rush it.
“We prepare him for the rest of the season not for the first game he can play again, so that is the situation.”