Liverpool FC manager JA?rgen Klopp revealed that captain Jordan Henderson is close to a return to training with the team, while Mamadou Sakho’s injury was not as bad as first feared.
A late decision is expected to be made regarding Liverpool FC’s star striker Daniel Sturridge, who trained fully during the international break, but is understandably not fully match fit. Meanwhile, Klopp provided positive news for the Anfield faithful by revealing that midfielder Jordan Henderson’s recovery is progressing nicely, while defender Mamadou Sakho’s injury was not as bad as first feared.
Late decision on Sturridge
JA?rgen Klopp kept his cards close to his chest regarding the readiness of striker Daniel Sturridge for Saturday’s trip to the Etihad. Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Thursday, the German said (via the official club website):
“He is as fit as he can be after this long break. He has trained with us. Of course he is not at 100 per cent, so now we will have to see. I dona t know what I will do tomorrow when I name the squad. I have to think about it.
“His quality is outstanding, we dona t have to talk about it, but like everybody he needs training. Today was his third full exercise with the team after four-and-a-half to five weeks’ break.
“But as a striker sometimes five minutes are enough, so wea ll have to see. I have to decide this tomorrow a and Ia ll start thinking about it after the press conference.”
Good news for Henderson, Sakho .
The Liverpool FC captain has been a long-term injury absentee, and as such, has yet to play under the new manager. Meanwhile, France international Mamadou Sakho suffered a ligament injury in the 2-1 defeat to Crystal Palace at Anfield, but Klopp revealed the injury is not as bad as first feared.
“[Henderson] is in a really good way,” Klopp is quoted as saying by the official Liverpool FC website. “Next week, maybe parts of team training, we will see. But hea s in a really good way.
“Mama is good news. Ita s not that serious as we thought in the first moment. We dona t want to give you a time a you can ask every day a but ita s not Christmas 2016! So thata s good. Between now and 2016! [Laughs] Ita s good news, ita s not too serious.”