Liverpool FC take on Sunderland later in the day, with manager Jurgen Klopp revealing that defender Martin Skrtel’s recovery has been knocked back by 2-3 weeks, while the trio of Couitnho, Sturridge and Origi are on track to return against West Ham United.
Having seen itself fall a massive 11 points off the fourth placed Arsenal FC, the Reds can ill afford to drop any more points if they are to have even an outside chance of the top four.
Skrtel suffers setback enroute to recovery
Speaking ahead of the Sunderland clash, Klopp revealed that defender Martin Skrtel’s recovery has been hit by an injury and his return will be delayed by a further 2-3 weeks.
He was quoted saying by the official Liverpool FC website: “We had the problem with Martin Skrtel, a little bit re-injured. He needs another two or three weeks, we have to see.”
Liverpool are expected to continue with Mamadou Sakho and Dejan Lovren at the back in Skrtel’s absence.
Attacking trio back for West Ham
Injuries have played a big part in the side’s stuttering season, with attacking talent often injured and not available to manager Brendan Rodgers and then Jurgen Klopp.
Klopp revealed that the trio of Coutinho, Sturridge & Origi are close to return to the first team fold, having resumed full training.
However, the Sunderland game has come too early for them.
“Daniel is back in training, that’s great, since two days ago,” Klopp said. “The day before yesterday he was together with Phil and Divock. If you see these three players then you know what you have missed for a few weeks.
“With Divock, Phil and Daniel in training, of course you think after five minutes maybe we should take them back into the squad.
“But that’s the moment to say ‘come on’; there are another three sessions which we can use and they are available for West Ham, that’s the idea in this moment if nothing happens in the next session.”
