Besides a couple of minor hiccups, Jurgen Klopp will have no fresh injury concerns when Liverpool travel to play Newcastle United on Sunday.
Adam Lallana and Nathaniel Clyne are both edging closer to a return as they escalate their recoveries from thigh and back injuries respectively. Neither of the two have featured for Liverpool yet in the new season, but they could be available following the upcoming international break.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Klopp provided information about both players. “The update is that both are doing really well but are not in team training tomorrow. But both are on a really good way. With Clyney it was not too sure for one or two weeks but now he has made real steps and it’s really cool.”
“Adam is completely normal, that’s how it was from the first day – how we thought it would be. He is now outside running and obviously improves a lot. He has no problems anymore. We just have to wait until the tendon is a tendon again, if you want. You cannot rush this. But so far, no setbacks and everything is fine,” added Klopp.
Meanwhile, the manager will also be happy to welcome Sadio Mane to the squad. The prolific Senegalese player has served his three-match domestic suspension and will return to league action St. James Park.
Given this is the final fixture before the international interval, Klopp is unlikely to make many alterations unless it is out of necessity. Daniel Sturridge, who has netted in all four of his previous Premier League starts at St. James’ Park, will be hoping the German decides to change things up in attack and unleash him against Benitez’s men.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, too, will be hoping to feature in order to make up for his shortcomings in earlier matches. Furthermore, Georginio Wijnaldum will be set to make his first return to St James’ Park if Klopp utilizes him in place of Emre Can or Jordan Henderson if he wants to refresh his midfield.
Simon Mignolet will return in the goal for the Reds, and Liverpool should hope to put up a strong performance on Sunday.
