Liverpool Team News: Klopp Confirms Double Injury Boost + Positive Henderson Update

Jurgen Klopp has given Liverpoolfc.com a team news and injury update ahead of Liverpool’s Premier League clash with Stoke City tomorrow afternoon.

The Reds boss was pleased to reveal a double injury boost with Lucas Leiva and Kevin Stewart both expected to be available for selection against the Potters.

Leiva has been on the sidelines since suffering a thigh injury while taking a penalty during Liverpool’s shoot-out defeat to Manchester City in the Capital One Cup final in February.

The Brazilian international has been back in training this month and was able to come through a behind-closed-doors friendly against Burnley at Melwood on Friday, which has put him in contention to face Stoke.

Stewart also stepped-up his own injury comeback by playing 45 minutes in the friendly yesterday so the young midfielder could be named in the squad as Klopp has problems in the middle of the park.

Emre Can is suspended while Jordan Henderson has been ruled out for around six weeks after suffering knee ligament damage during the 1-1 draw with Borussia Dortmund in the Europa League on Thursday night.

Many felt the skipper’s season was over, however, Klopp has some positive news as he revealed that he hasn’t given up hope of the 25-year-old making a swift return to play in the final two games of the season.

Speaking to the clubs website today, Klopp said:

“Lucas is back and could play yesterday for 45 minutes in a test game against Burnley. Kevin Stewart could also play 45 minutes in this game. That’s what they needed, so we’ll have to make a decision.”

“These two players are back and that’s very important for us. We have to make a decision about line-up, about system and a lot of things, but in the end we will have players in this positon for sure [against Stoke].”

“It’s serious [Henderson’s injury] but it’s not that serious that there is no hope for us for maybe the last one or two games. It’s clear there is still hope for the European Championships.

“For us, Hendo is a very, very important player. He’s been getting better and better and better in the last few weeks because he’s been getting his rhythm. He is obviously an important player for England too.

“There is not a final judgement or whatever so you can say there is no chance [he will play again this season] – there is a chance.

“It is isolated, nothing else. It is not good news but this is part of something like good news. We will do everything for him and for us so that he is back in the race as soon as possible.

“I can’t say anymore, you always have to wait. Each day you have to see what you can do or what you have to wait, but until now it’s the best you can get when you get a knee injury.”

Liverpool fans will be praying that Henderson makes a quick recovery and who knows, perhaps he’ll be back in time to play in a Europa League final?