Liverpool
Liverpool Team News: Klopp Confirms Double Boost + Updates On Coutinho & Matip
Jurgen Klopp has confirmed a double injury boost ahead of Liverpool’s clash with Swansea plus updates on Philippe Coutinho and Joel Matip
Liverpool will be looking to close the gap on Chelsea with a win when they take on Swansea City at Anfield on Saturday lunchtime.
Ahead of the game, Jurgen Klopp has been speaking to the media at his pre-match press conference this afternoon and he’s given reporters a team news and injury update.
The Reds boss was pleased to confirm a double boost with the news that Nathaniel Clyne and Jordan Henderson are due to resume full training today and could be in contention to start tomorrow.
Clyne has been forced to miss the last two games against Man Utd and Plymouth due to a rib injury but the right-back will return to training today after having two running sessions this week and should be passed fit to face Swansea.
Klopp also revealed that Henderson missed the FA Cup third round replay win at Home Park on Wednesday night due to a minor muscle issue but says the Reds skipper should be fit tomorrow despite on-going concerns over a niggling heel injury.
Klopp told Liverpoolfc.com:
“All in a good way. Clyney and Hendo were not in team training until now, but should be back today. That’s the last moment.
“Clyney could make two running sessions, only to feel if he can cope with the pain. I saw him yesterday and the thumb was very up – so that’s good. Hendo should be OK, too.”
“He felt the muscle a little bit more than he’s used to. It’s still about the heel. That’s more the problem still.”
The Liverpool manager also spoke about Philippe Coutinho making his first start since November after getting 65 minutes under his belt against Plymouth in midweek and the German coach says it’s great to have the playmaker available again.
The final update from Klopp was regarding the availability of Joel Matip and unfortunately the Merseysiders are yet to hear from FIFA over their ruling on the clubs dispute with the Cameroonian FA.
Klopp says that FIFA informed them Friday [today] was ‘D-Day’ as Liverpool hope to get clearance to play Matip during the African Cup of Nations but so far the club are yet to hear from the worlds governing body.
Klopp is quoted as saying to reporters:
Klopp on Coutinho: "I was happy to give him 65mins v Plymouth. Good to get rhythm. He's very important for us."
— James Pearce (@JamesPearceEcho) January 20, 2017
Jürgen Klopp on Joel Matip: "I don't have an update yet. FIFA said today would be kind of D-day."#LIVSWA pic.twitter.com/tgPHOV3tRV
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) January 20, 2017
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