Champions League final: Liverpool midfielder Emre Can 'desperate' to play despite uncertain future

The midfielder is expected to join Juventus when his contract expires this summer

Emre Can has not played since suffering a back injury in March (Getty)

Emre Can is “really desperate” to play in Saturday’s Champions League final according to Jürgen Klopp, despite fitness concerns and doubts over the midfielder’s Liverpool future.

Can has not played since suffering a back problem during March’s 5-0 defeat of Watford but returned to training last week during a camp in Marbella and participated in an open session in front of the world’s media at Anfield on Monday.

The Germany international remains a doubt for Saturday’s final against Real Madrid in Kiev but may play for the first time in more than two months if he continues to train comfortably through the week.

Can’s situation is further complicated by the fact that if he does play in Kiev, it is likely to be his final Liverpool appearance.

The 24-year-old’s contract at Anfield expires at the end of the season, with Juventus expected to capitalise and sign Can as a free agent.

Klopp would not be drawn on Can’s future on Monday but remains hopeful that the midfielder can return to action on Saturday and help his side in their quest to win the club’s sixth European Cup.

“It depends on the reaction,” Klopp said, when asked if Can could play on Saturday. “10 days ago, I didn’t think it was possible that he could do what he did today and do what he did in Marbella [at Liverpool’s .

“That is really positive but we have to wait again. It is really nice to have him back in the group. He is really desperate to be a part of [the final].”

On Can’s links to Juventus, Klopp said: “No clue. Not important in the moment to be honest. In this moment he is 100 percent here and that is the only thing I am interested in.”