Liverpool boss Jürgen Klopp has provided an update on the Reds’ injury issues in defence, with Dejan Lovren, Joel Matip, Ragnar Klavan and Joe Gomez all missing Tuesday’s 3-1 win over Torino.
Klopp’s lack of options meant that U23 defender Nathaniel Phillips partnered Virgil van Dijk against Walter Mazzarri’s side and there are numerous concerns surrounding the availability of the clubs’ centre-backs ahead of the clubs’ Premier League opener against West Ham this Sunday.
Joel Matip is currently ruled out with a sore hip flexor, Ragnar Klavan has a hamstring strain, Dejan Lovren only returned from his post-World Cup holidays on Sunday and Joe Gomez missed the Reds’ win over Torino on Tuesday due to a minor muscle issue.
When asked whether Gomez is likely to be available to play West Ham on Sunday, Klopp told reporters in his post-Torino press conference: “I think yes. It was nothing serious but for tonight it was not possible. He played on Saturday and now it’s Tuesday, but he should be.
“Dejan (Lovren) is in, he had not a very long holiday. For Raggy (Klavan) and Joel (Matip), probably they are not fit and cannot play for the weekend, but we don’t need 12 centre-halves, we only need two at least and one to change would be extremely cool.
“Nat (Phillips) is there, though. I really liked his pre-season, it was really strong and proved a lot and that was cool.”
Klopp was also quizzed on whether Jordan Henderson could be involved after coming on as a substitute for the latter stages of the second half again Torino.
He added: “Not sure, don’t know – we have to see how he reacts. But it is Hendo, so to be honest in the first session it looked like he trained for the whole three weeks.
“He was in a really good shape, so we thought a few minutes tonight should be possible.”
How are Liverpool likely to line-up vs West Ham?
James Milner did not take part in Tuesday evening’s friendly after a clash of heads in Saturday’s match against Napoli left him needing 15 stitches, but he was pictured in training at Melwood on Wednesday.
If he is able to play, then he is likely to be part of a midfield including Gini Wijnaldum and Naby Keita, with Klopp suggesting that summer signing Fabinho may need some more time to gain fitness and adapt to the team’s style of play.
The post Jurgen Klopp delivers early Liverpool team news ahead of West Ham opener appeared first on Squawka News.
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