Liverpool Boss Provides Update On Key Trio As Injury Problems Mount

Jurgen Klopp has offered Liverpoolfc.com an update on James Milner, Daniel Sturridge and Jordan Henderson as injuries threaten to derail Liverpool’s promising campaign.

Sturridge started his first Premier League game since mid-October after being chosen ahead of Divock Origi to lead the line against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light yesterday.

The England international repaid Klopp’s faith after opening the scoring with a fine header but Sturridge failed to complete the match after being forced off in the 80th minute having picked up an ankle problem.

Given the striker’s long history of injury issues, it’s understandable that fans are fearing the worse, however, Klopp suggests the latest problem isn’t serious so Sturridge shouldn’t be on the sidelines for too long.

Milner has established himself as Liverpool’s first choice left-back this season but the 30-year-old also limped out of the 2-2 draw at Sunderland yesterday after suffering a calf injury during the first half.

Klopp isn’t exactly sure how Milner sustained the problem so he decided to be cautious by bringing on Alberto Moreno at half time and the club will now look to determine the full extent of Milner’s issue.

We’ll have to wait and see how long Sturridge and Milner will be ruled out for but they will both now be doubts for this weekend’s FA Cup third round clash with Plymouth Argyle.

One player who’s almost certain to miss the game at Anfield on Sunday is Henderson as Klopp has revealed that the skipper isn’t expected to recover from his heel injury in time to take on the League Two high-flyers.

Henderson sustained the injury during Saturday’s win over Manchester City and while Klopp isn’t exactly sure how long his captain will be out for, the midfielder is expected to at least miss the Plymouth game.

The German coach told the clubs website:

“[Sturridge] got a knock on his right ankle. I don’t think it’s too bad.

“[Milner] felt like he got a knock on the calf, but he didn’t know exactly if he got a knock. So then we needed to be really careful, so that’s why we made a change.”

“I don’t know exactly [how long Henderson will be out]. Hopefully it’s not too serious, but the FA Cup will be difficult.”

With a League Cup semi final against Southampton and a huge league clash at Manchester United coming up over the coming weeks, Liverpool will be praying that Sturridge, Milner and Henderson will all be back in action swiftly.

The Merseysiders still sit second in the table despite the disappointing draw yesterday and have a great chance to win some silverware in the League Cup so the last thing Klopp wants is for injuries to derail a promising season.