Shaqiri starts against Man Utd: Klopp explains surprise decision

Largely sidelined this season, the Switzerland international has been handed a rare start in the top-of-the-table clash at Anfield.

Xherdan Shaqiri is “ready to go” after fully recovering from his latest setback, says Jurgen Klopp explaining his decision to include the player in the starting XI against Manchester United.

Struggling to get regular game time, Shaqiri has been linked with a move away from Liverpool in the January transfer window.

Added competition ever since the arrival of Diogo Jota and fitness issues have pushed the 29-year-old further down the pecking order, having been restricted to just eight matches across all competitions prior to Sunday’s outing.

His limited time on the pitch is also due to a series of injury niggling injuries, having spent about a month on the sidelines.

The Swiss forward, however, was handed his first Premier League start of the season and his first in 13 months, in the match against Manchester United.

“Very good shape on the pitch, showed a good performance last game, good in training and is getting his rhythm step by step,” Klopp responded when asked about Shaqiri’s inclusion in the starting XI, via Mirror.

“He was out for a long time with little things, but now he’s training and showing he’s ready to go.”