Liverpool Handed Huge Double Injury Boost Ahead Of Man Utd Showdown

Jordan Henderson and Joel Matip have handed Liverpool a major double injury boost ahead of their crucial trip to Old Trafford to take on Manchester United this weekend, according to the Liverpool Echo.

Henderson has missed the last three matches in all competitions after limping out of Liverpool’s 1-0 win over Manchester City at Anfield on New Year’s Eve having picked up a heel injury in the second half.

Matip on the other hand has been forced to miss nine of Liverpool’s last ten matches due to a niggling ankle injury which he aggravated during the 2-2 draw with West Ham back in November.

Neither Henderson nor Matip travelled to St Mary’s last night for the EFL Cup semi final first leg defeat at Southampton as they remained on Merseyside to continue their recovery work.

However, the Liverpool Echo claim that both players will resume full training at Melwood today ahead of the pivotal showdown with United at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon.

Henderson is expected to be in contention for an immediate return to the starting eleven unless he suffers any setback over the next few days and his return will come as a huge boost to Liverpool.

The 26-year-old has become a key part of Jurgen Klopp’s side and his absence has been sorely missed with Liverpool failing to win any of their last three games while the England international has been on the sidelines.

Matip’s imminent return will also come as a welcome boost to the Reds, however, after five weeks on the sidelines the centre-back may not be rushed back in to the starting eleven against United this weekend.

If the Cameroon star proves his fitness in training over the next 48 hours there’s a chance he could make the bench at Old Trafford but Matip may have to wait for the upcoming games against Plymouth or Swansea to make the starting line-up.

Ragnar Klavan has filled-in for Matip alongside Dejan Lovren in recent weeks but the Estonian international has been criticised for his performance against Southampton last night.

Klavan is still expected to retain his place against United this weekend but Klopp will be delighted that Matip is on the verge of making his comeback as he’s proven to be a superb signing since joining the club on a free transfer from Schalke last summer.