Klopp’s Injury Update: Trio Ruled Out Of Aston Villa Clash But Defender Returns

Jurgen Klopp has confirmed that Martin Skrtel, Dejan Lovren and Jordan Rossiter will miss Liverpool’s trip to Aston Villa this weekend but Steven Caulker should return to the squad.

Lovren was forced off at half-time during last weekend’s 2-2 draw with Sunderland after complaining of tightness in his hamstring and he subsequently missed Tuesday night’s FA Cup defeat at West Ham.

Speaking to Liverpoolfc.com ahead of Sunday’s clash at Villa Park, Klopp confirmed that the Croatian international will also miss the Villa game but his injury isn’t serious and he should be back in contention for Thursday’s Europa League clash with Augsburg.

Skrtel has been on the sidelines nursing his own hamstring injury that he sustained over the Christmas period but the centre-back is now close to making his return to action as he’s back out on the training pitch – although Sunday’s trip to Villa will come too soon for the 31-year-old.

Jordan Rossiter is also still missing as he continues to work his way back to full fitness following a hamstring complaint but there was better news on Steven Caulker as the defender is back in contention after recovering from a minor back injury that kept him out of the West Ham game.

Klopp told the clubs official website:

“[Lovren won’t be fit] for Aston Villa but hopefully for the next game. It’s not a big thing, it’s more about a strange feeling in the muscle.

“It’s the same – he was injured and pushed back. It’s not a real serious thing, but for Aston Villa he has no opportunity.

“Martin Skrtel is back on the pitch outside, but needs his time. Steven had a back problem before the West Ham game. After West Ham he was still in rehab, but yesterday he trained normal so he is available.”

“Jordan is still not in team training, so that needs time.”

So with Joe Allen also ruled out for the foreseeable future with a muscle injury, and Danny Ings and Joe Gomez still nursing long-term injuries, Liverpool will be without six players for the Villa clash on Sunday.

However, there was better injury news in midweek as Daniel Sturridge, Philippe Coutinho and Divock Origi all came through the Hammers game unscathed after making their long-awaited comebacks.