Xherdan Shaqiri Ruled Out of Everton Match with Injury

It’s a calf injury that has hampered Xherdan Shaqiri’s fitness this season. Each time Jürgen Klopp thinks Shaq is passed it and ready for selection, there’s a setback. Now, even with the months of football suspension behind us, the Swiss attacker remains unavailable and will not be available for Liverpool against Everton.

“He was injured and he is not ready but he is on a good way,” said Klopp. “Shaq has trained but not in massive parts with the rest of the team.

“He will not be [out for] long, but he is the only one out.”

Shaqiri wasn’t likely to play a significant role at Goodison on Sunday but with the nine remaining matches condensed into weeks, Klopp will look to use every available squad player he can. Teams are allowed five substitions under the new Restart rules in order to allay the risk of injury to overworked players. The full squad will be used over the coming weeks.

Xherdan hasn’t had many chances to impress due to repeated stints in the recovery room, but when fit and ready, he’s proved himself prepared and effective in the team and he has showed up in big games.

Sevilla and AS Roma were both interested in Shaqiri’s signature back in the January window and could return this summer. Although, Liverpool’s £25M asking price could put a few curious parties off and, of course, injury question marks will be an issue for any club in a potential deal to move Shaq on.

Long story short, Shaq’s injured again or still injured.

But with Takumi Minamino up to speed and Curtis Jones proving himself this season along with a host of other younger players, I think Klopp will feel just fine with his 20-man squad for Everton.