Emre Can missed Liverpool’s 3-1 victory over Stoke City last weekend due to suspension but his absence was felt according to midfielder James Milner.

The England international highlighted just how important Can is to the team in his most recent interview on the official Liverpool website.

Milner revealed that it was a good result considering Can was not playing. The 30-year-old midfielder’s comments shed light on just how highly rated the Germany international of Turkish origin is among his teammates.

“He’s had the rest at the weekend, unfortunately missing the game”, Milner told the club’s official site.

“It was good to get a result without him.”

Liverpool will welcome Can back into central midfield against Borussia Dortmund in the Europa League quarter-final second-leg tie at Anfield tonight. The 22-year-old is still serving a two-game suspension in the Premier League but it does not apply to European competition games.

Can will be well rested after missing the league game on the weekend and is almost certain to start against the German giants. The young midfielder has established himself as a key player under the stewardship of Reds boss Jurgen Klopp and has made 45 appearances in all competitions season.

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