Liverpool coach Jurgen Klopp believes that the return of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Diogo Jota will provide the necessary boost for their title hopes.

Trent Alexander-Arnold has returned in high form.

The defeat against Crystal Palace last weekend saw Klopp’s side drop to third place as Manchester City led by 2 points at the top of the table.

However, despite the recent setbacks, Alexander-Arnold’s performance in the win against Atalanta in the Europa League, especially in the first half, has brought renewed hope.

The defender had his first start since mid-February after a knee injury, and while Jota has yet to make a similar impact in his three relatively short substitute appearances after two months out, his striker’s instinct in his shots could compensate for the shortcomings other forwards are experiencing.

“Of course, we need Trent Alexander-Arnold, but we need him in really good form and condition – that’s what he has to achieve,” Klopp said ahead of the trip to Fulham.

“It’s not his fault if he’s not able to, it’s just the situation. So, we can push him pretty much as much as you want – same for Diogo.

“We have to find ways to help the boys best, get them back in the best shape as quickly as possible, and from there we have to go.”

“Without them, we have no chance. With them, we have a chance, with them at a time when football is really good, the chance is even bigger.”

Klopp remains optimistic about Liverpool’s chances despite the recent setbacks and feels that six wins could see them snatch the title from their rivals.

While being eliminated from the Europa League overall is disappointing, there were positives to take from the match. Alexander-Arnold’s performance, moving into midfield to dictate play and occasionally appearing in the central striker position in Bergamo, was notable.

Liverpool also kept their first clean sheet in ten matches. With difficulties in scoring goals – Liverpool has only scored two goals in the first 15 minutes of a game in the league this season – a more solid defense will provide a better foundation, and that’s why Klopp is optimistic.

“I don’t have many qualities, but I’m always honest. If I don’t feel great, the players will feel that pretty quickly. I really can’t deny or hide it, that means after the game against Palace, people will ask ‘what now to the team?’.

“But we are here a few days later and I feel completely great, I feel the situation we are in is really good. It’s really great.

“The boys know that I don’t say things I don’t believe in, and I am 100% sure that we can actually win all the games from now on. What will affect us more: the last game, last week, or the opportunities ahead?

“I completely believe that there is still a chance for us to turn the situation perfectly. We can make this campaign still an outstanding season.

“It will be a good season but of course how you judge it will be heavily influenced by the outcome of it.”