Jurgen Klopp realistic on Liverpool's chances of securing Champions League spot

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp admits even extending their five-match winning run is unlikely to affect the top-four sides they are chasing and he expects to miss out on Champions League football next season.

Wednesday's victory over Fulham, combined with Manchester United’s late defeat to Brighton, meant the gap to fourth place in the Premier League is four points.

However, United have a match in hand, from which they could overtake Newcastle two points ahead, while Liverpool also face pressure from below with Brighton four points behind with two games in hand.

"Other teams are in much better positions. As long as they win games, we have no chance and we have to keep teams behind us, which (for) not all of them we can do that," said Klopp

"We have 59 (points), United has 63 so we can get 71 maximum. United needs for that eight points in five, from 15. I think they will do that.

"They win three games of the rest and that is it for us."

While their current run is the best for more than a year, the cracks are starting to appear in the squad again.

Midfielder Thiago Alcantara is having surgery on a troublesome hip injury in order to ensure he is fit for pre-season, while captain Jordan Henderson could miss Saturday’s visit of Brentford.

Thiago was absent for two months with his problem and although he made a brief comeback in April, he has missed the last two matches and the club have decided it is best for him to get it sorted now.

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"Thiago will have surgery and is out for the rest of