Liverpool Team News vs Crystal Palace: Sturridge set to return; Coutinho misses out yet again

Jurgen Klopp will receive a boost as Daniel Sturridge is expected to return to action when Liverpool host Crystal Palace side at Anfield on Saturday.

Liverpool will host the Eagles at Merseyside for their second fixture of the new Premier League season, aiming to maintain their midweek momentum after securing a narrow win over Hoffenheim. Manager Jürgen Klopp has confirmed that Daniel Sturridge is set to be fit for their match with Crystal Palace.

The English striker is understood to have returned to full training this week and is likely to make the squad for the upcoming Premier League encounter. Sturridge’s return will provide a boost to the Reds, but they will still have to do without the services of star playmaker Philippe Coutinho.

There’s heavy speculation surrounding Coutinho’s future due to strong interest from Barcelona. He has not featured in any of their games in the new season so far. However, the Brazilian will miss the match against Frank de Boer’s side due to a back injury.

When asked about the conditions of both Sturridge and Coutinho during his pre-match press conference, Klopp said, “Daniel yes, I would say. Yesterday he was part of the complete session and looked really good, but always after injuries you have to wait to see how the player reacts to this intensity.”

Liverpool's German manager Jurgen Klopp adjusts his glasses as he gives an interview ahead of the English FA Cup third round replay football match between Plymouth Argyle and Liverpool at Home Park in Plymouth, south west England on January 18, 2017. / AFP / Ben STANSALL / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo credit should read BEN STANSALL/AFP/Getty Images)
Getting ready to put up a strong fight? (Photo by BEN STANSALL/AFP/Getty Images)

Regarding Coutinho, Klopp went on to add, “Phil is not available; he is not training so far, so there is nothing new. It is always how it is with injured players, there is no real time on when he is back.”

Meanwhile, the Liverpool boss also went on to provide an update for Nathaniel Clyne. Clyne’s condition remains the same as he is yet to fully recover, and is continuing his rehabilitation from a back issue.

Up front, the usual faces are likely to feature. Roberto Firmino will be looking to bounce back to his fiery form after an unusually quite performance against Hoffenheim. Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane will continue to be key figures for the Merseyside club against a resilient Crystal Palace squad.

Summer arrival Dominic Solanke might just be handed a role on Saturday while Trent Alexander-Arnold could also feature, after putting up an immensely brilliant performance against Hoffenheim.

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