Jurgen Klopp told a busy press-conference ahead of the FA Cup tie with West Ham that skipper Jordan Henderson is unavailable for the clash, the Independent report.
The captain left the field after around an hour verses Stoke in the League Cup, but at the time – it wasn’t obvious whether it was to conserve his fitness or because he’d picked up a problem.
Unfortunately, it was the latter.
“He did really well for the team,” Klopp said. “[ But it’s a] Long-term injury and still having pain.”
Unsurprisingly, Daniel Sturridge will not be ready for either the FA Cup tie or the Premier League match with Leicester on Tuesday. The forward hasn’t played since the beginning of December when we lost to Newcastle at St. James’ Park.
“No news. He’s still working. He has done lot of sessions in last week’s. It always interrupted,” Klopp said.
“Sometimes it’s better, sometimes it’s worse. That’s normal with (his) injury history. We have to be really sensitive. That’s how it is.
“I think everyone in this room knows Daniel better than me. There is no doubt about quality. He’s a very good player but he’s not available. Not available for tomorrow or Leicester. Don’t know what happens after Leicester.”
In better news though, Liverpool’s no.10 Coutinho is nearing a return from the hamstring injury he picked up against Stoke City in the League Cup semi-final first-leg. He’s missed six games so far, but hopefully will be back next week.
Central defenders Dejan Lovren and Steven Caulker are also ready, while Nathaniel Clyne is 50/50.
“Lovren is back, Caulker is available,” he continued.
“Coutinho is close to returning to fitness, still doing rehab. Clyne is possible. Much better.”
Lovren and Caulker could well start versus West Ham, while Coutinho’s eventual return will inject some much needed life and pizzazz into our attack. James Milner and Adam Lallana work hard out wide, but have so far lacked vision and the ability to create something from nothing – leaving much of the creative work to Roberto Firmino – who despite promising form is still finding his feet.
Hopefully Henderson’s issue isn’t serious and he’ll be available for the Leicester tie, as we’re a far less vibrant, dynamic side in the middle without our captain.