Mignolet offers support to Karius

Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet has backed Loris Karius to come back stronger after being dropped from the first team.

Karius replaced Mignolet as the Reds number one following his return from injury only for the £4.7m summer signing from Mainz to be dropped on the back of a poor run of form.

Mignolet was recalled to the first team for the midweek trip to Middlesbrough and he put down his marker for the number one jersey by producing a number of fine saves in the 3-0 win as the Reds climbed above Arsenal into second place in the Premier League table.

Speaking after the match manager Jurgen Klopp admitted "there is no timeframe" on Karius' return to the first team but Mignolet believes he will bounce back from the disappointment.

"We are team-mates, we all have to get through it and push each other," Mignolet said. "For Loris, it will not be nice. But he’s more than capable and professional enough to deal with it and learn from it.

"He will only get stronger from it."

Karius has come in for some sharp criticism for his performances this season but Mignolet admits it is part and parcel of playing for a club like Liverpool.

“That’s part of the job and you have to be mentally strong to deal with that. I’m coming up to 29, and I’ve been through it as well. It’s not nice," the Belgium international added.

“You only get stronger from it, especially at a club like Liverpool Football Club. One thing gets really big out of nothing.”

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