Liverpool Team News: Klopp Reveals Fresh Injury Blow But Trio Close In On Comebacks

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp held his pre-match press conference this afternoon and has given Liverpoolfc.com a full team news update ahead of Saturday’s clash with Sunderland.

The German coach revealed a fresh injury blow after confirming that Martin Skrtel’s proposed comeback has been delayed after the defender ‘re-injured’ himself.

Skrtel has been on the sidelines since suffering a hamstring injury against Watford on December 20th and was expected to return to training early next week, but Klopp says the centre-back is facing another two to three weeks on the treatment table.

However, there was some positive news to come from Klopp’s update as the boss confirmed that Daniel Sturridge, Philippe Coutinho and Divock Origi are all back in training and on the comeback trail.

Sturridge has only managed six appearances in all competitions this season after struggling with a number of injury concerns but the striker is now training freely and could make his long-awaited comeback for the FA Cup replay at West Ham on Tuesday.

Coutinho and Origi have also been nursing hamstring and knee injuries in recent weeks but the attacking duo returned to full training yesterday and while tomorrow’s game with Sunderland will come too soon, they could be in contention to take on the Hammers next week.

Here is what Klopp told the clubs website:

“We had the problem with Martin Skrtel, a little bit re-injured. He needs another two or three weeks, we have to see.”

“Daniel is back in training, that’s great, since two days ago,”

“Everything looks good in this moment. Now it is normal football training – really good for us and good for him.

“The day before yesterday he was together with Phil and Divock. If you see these three players then you know what you have missed for a few weeks.

“With Divock, Phil and Daniel in training, of course you think after five minutes maybe we should take them back into the squad.

“But that’s the moment to say ‘come on’; there are another three sessions which we can use and they are available for West Ham, that’s the idea in this moment if nothing happens in the next session.”

The Skrtel setback will come as a huge blow as the Slovakian international has been sorely missed in recent weeks but it will be a significant boost to have Sturridge, Coutinho and Origi available for selection again.

Liverpool go in to the weekend action sitting eighth in the Premier League table after losing to Leicester City on Tuesday so Klopp will be hoping the attacking trio can give their top four hopes a major boost during the second half of the season.