Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp says Danny Ings could've made it at Anfeld.

Klopp is excited about returning to league action against Aston Villa and confident his team can close the gap on the top four.

"All the players look really on it," he said. "We consider ourselves within punching distance and we have to chase.

"There were things I didn't like against (Manchester) City, our counter-press was non-existent, but we found a way back into the game and I am an optimistic person. Our spell before the break was absolutely OK and there is a lot to come. Some of the players have rhythm from the World Cup like Jordan Henderson, Alisson and Virgil van Dijk. For the others, it is another start."

Villa's main threat could be former Liverpool striker Ings who was sold by Klopp to Southampton.

"The only reason he didn't make it here was injuries," said the Liverpool manager. "He wanted to play and we couldn't offer that. His quality was never in doubt and he has shown it a Southampton and now Villa. They have other good strikers."