Liverpool boss is pulling my leg - insists Huddersfield Town chief

Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah, Naby Keita and Virgil van Dijk are among several Reds players said to be struggling for the weekend’s game at the John Smith’s Stadium, but Wagner expects the players to be available.

Wagner said: “I know Jurgen long enough and know he likes to use some smokescreens. Don’t believe everything that you read!

“I expect most of his players to be on the grass on Saturday.”

Wagner has confirmed that Tommy Smith, Terence Kongolo and Danny Williams will miss Saturday’s game through injury.

Smith (groin) should be back in the fray next week, with Kongolo (hamstring) possibly available again in another week’s time or a fortnight’s time.

Williams has returned to training this week, but needs more time before being considered for the first team, Wagner confirmed.

Belgian winger Isaac Mbenza will be monitored after coming back from international duties with a knee issue.

Ramadan Sobhi, back in training for the past ten days, will also be assessed and may be handed some game-time in the development squad before being propelled into first-team consideration.

Midfielder Philip Billing is training today after returning from Denmark u21 international duties with an ankle issue, with Wagner hopeful he will be able to feature.

He said: “He has had treatment in the last days and worked with our rehabilitation coaches. He will train for the first time (today) and hopefully he is fine after training. At the minute, all the signs are positive that he is available for Saturday.”