- Jurgen Klopp admits Liverpool are still monitoring Sadio Mane’s fitness
- Confirms return of Adam Lallana and Jordan Henderson
- Clyne surgery gives better idea of return date
- SEE MORE: Klopp hints at Gomez position change
Jurgen Klopp has offered an promising injury update ahead of Liverpool’s clash with Southampton at Anfield this weekend.
The Reds boss, who is on the mend himself after spending Wednesday in hospital, looks set to have a strong squad at his disposal thanks to the return of key players.
Liverpool welcomed Adam Lallana back to training this week following the midfielder’s three-month spell on the sidelines with a thigh injury.
Klopp has been impressed with the 29-year-old’s smooth reintegration and is delighted to have him back ahead of a gruelling winter period.
Providing a full fitness update, Klopp told Liverpoolfc.com: “Sadio (Mane) we have to wait, we will see today.”
“Adam is in training now since three days or four days [ago]. It was a really long [time], it is fantastic that he is back. He lost nothing, no skills or anything.”
“He trained really well but in the next few weeks we have games every three days and we will need him for that.”
“There is no rush in it even when everyone who knows Adam can imagine how ready he is to be part of the squad again, so we will see what we do in this case.”
“Hendo, yes, should be OK I think. He used the week he had in the national break, he used it well to recover from different things to be honest. Now he is on a good way and, yes, will be involved.”
“We are all sure Clyney will be fine, but when he will be back it will have been a long time for him.”
“Now we made the surgery, it is clear that he will be back round about and that’s good. Of course for him, it’s difficult.”
Lallana’s availability promises to inject much-needed competition for places, with Liverpool’s midfield having lacked consistency so far this season.
The return of Henderson’s leadership also ought to help that, although Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will be out to ensure the skipper faces a tough task breaking back into the starting lineup.
Liverpool’s deadline-day acquisition impressed in the 4-1 win over West Ham before the international break and will feel he deserves to retain his place in the team on Saturday.
Another factor that could threaten him doing so is the return of Philippe Coutinho, who is back in action having missed the trip to the London Stadium.
Food for thought for the boss.