Liverpool Team News: Klopp Confirms Injury Blow + Henderson & Sturridge Update

Liverpool will look to continue their recent excellent form when they take on Newcastle United at St James’ Park on Sunday afternoon.

Ahead of the game, Jurgen Klopp has been holding his pre-match press conference this afternoon and has given reporters a team news and injury update.

The German coach confirmed a huge blow with the news that Philippe Coutinho is once again ruled out with a hamstring injury that he picked up against Manchester City last month.

The Brazilian has been forced to miss the last three games and while he has been able to train this week, Klopp revealed that Coutinho is still not feeling 100% so won’t be risked this weekend.

However, there was more positive news to come from Klopp’s press conference when the Reds boss was asked for an update on the fitness of Daniel Sturridge and Jordan Henderson.

Following a lengthy spell on the sidelines, Sturridge returned to the starting line-up with a bang in midweek having scored twice during an impressive 60 minute appearance against Southampton.

Henderson has also returned to the team recently after three months out with a broken foot and Klopp has confirmed the duo have suffered no reaction and are fit and available for selection this weekend.

He’s quoted as saying by the Telegraph:

“I like optimism. But with Phil, we were too optimistic. Sometimes it happens like this,”

“He tried everything he could. He trained nearly normally but he doesn’t feel comfortable with it. We have to take care of this. The muscle is a dangerous thing when you are always on your feet, and when you don’t feel comfortable you have to stop.

“He is training. We will wait. It somebody can tell me he’s available for the next game, then he plays, no problem. But yesterday nobody gave me that sign. So today we will have to wait again.”

“Like with any player who has had a long injury he [Sturridge] did well in the game, we decided to give him 60 minutes – it was good for him and us. He felt each muscle after the game, which is normal. He is available for the weekend.”

“Hendo is a good example of how you handle players differently,”

“He is a worker and he needs to be absolutely fit so for him it’s better how we did it in the last few games. It’s perfect we have him back and can bring him in the game.

“Hendo has made a big step and that’s the best news because there were some doubts about the heel. We can give him time.”

It will be a big blow for Liverpool to be without Coutinho again this weekend but in his absence Klopp could hand a recall to Brazilian team mate Roberto Firmino after he was left out against Southampton in midweek.

Emre Can is suspended after he collected his fifth booking of the season at St Mary’s so Henderson could be in line to make his first start since August, but it will be interesting to see whether Sturridge keeps his place or if Klopp decides against starting him for the second time in four days.