Liverpool FC were boosted by the return to full training of Daniel Sturridge, however, captain Jordan Henderson succumbed to his ever persistent heel injury and is ruled out for the West Ham tie.
While Sturridge is available, he has been left out of the squad as precaution by manager Jurgen Klopp, as per reports in the Liverpool Echo.
Sturridge and Henderson both ruled out of #LFC trip to West Ham. Neither have travelled to London. https://t.co/jQvG4H7QDq
a James Pearce (@JamesPearceEcho) January 1, 2016
Same fate is for the captain Jordan Henderson, who was subbed off late against Sunderland for Lucas Leiva.
Henderson has been plagued by a heel problem that had ruled him out for a period of three and a half months earlier in the campaign. A problem that has plagued him for more than a year now is becoming an increasing headache for the former Sunderland man.
Jurgen Klopp had raised hopes of a surprise comeback for Sturridge when he was quoted saying on Thursday to ESPN FC about the striker shrugging of a hamstring problem.
“We have to wait all day and see who could come back — then maybe Daniel, if we try,” Klopp had said.
JK: “Maybe Daniel Sturridge could [return] if we try. Joe Allen is ill and we have to wait. Milner no. Origi, too early.” #LFC
a Liverpool FC (@LFC) December 31, 2015
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The statement by the manager came following a tweet from the striker earlier on Sunday in which he declared he was “good to go”.
As it turns out, Klopp is in no mood to risk Sturridge, having given him a new training regime for prevention of his long standing injury problems.
Others missing on the ranks at Anfield are vice-captain James Milner, who is yet to recover form a foot problem as well as defender Martin Skrtel. Divock Origi also remains out due to a hamstring problem and Joe Allen is ill. Long term absentees include defender Joe Gomez and striker Danny Ings.
Jordon Ibe may come in the XI ahead of Adam Lallana, who might be rested, after playing three games in 8 days.