Sakho must get fit - Klopp

Mamadou Sakho could force his way back into the Liverpool first-team if he can get back to full fitness, manager Jurgen Klopp has said.

Sakho missed the end of last season after he was provisionally suspended for testing positive for a banned fat-burning substance. He was subsequently cleared of a doping violation but an Achilles injury ruled him out of the club's pre-season tour to the United States.

He travelled with the rest of the squad to America, only to be sent home early because of a poor attitude and he has yet to feature for the club this season.

Having fallen down the pecking order, Sakho was linked with a loan move away but he opted to stay at Anfield and fight for his place in the team and Klopp has intimated that he could work his way into his plans if he returns to fitness.

"After closing of the window the situation is like it is and you cannot change your squad," Klopp told reporters on Thursday.

"Now it is about making Mama fit - which he isn't after this long time with suspension and injury - and we will see what happens.

"I have no idea what happens when because it is who plays how, who performs when, our results. At the end Mama knows and I know and from my side that is enough.

"It's not a problem. You don't have to gain my trust. He didn't play football for a long time, he needs to play football. That's difficult here because the other players are fit.

"We had to speak about it before the window closes - that's what I did. I'm not silly enough to forget good performances.

"We have one more good centre-half so it is all good but for him it needs time."

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