Jurgen Klopp has issued an injury update on two of his key attacking stars ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash with Crystal Palace.
The Reds are once again set to be without Philippe Coutinho, who missed the club’s opening weekend draw against Watford and Tuesday’s Champions League playoff first leg against Hoffenheim due to a back injury.
His absence comes amid speculation linking him to Barcelona, with the Brazilian himself having recently handed in a transfer request and expressed a desire to play for the Catalan giants.
Daniel Sturridge, however, is expected to be available for selection having also missed the club’s last two games due to injury.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Klopp said: “Yes. Daniel I would say so. Yesterday he was part of a complete session that looked really good but always after injuries you have to see how a player has reacted.”
“Phil, not available. Not in training so far, so nothing new.”
Sturridge looks set to return having picked up an injury whilst scoring in the club’s Audi Cup win over Bayern Munich during pre-season.
To have the Englishman at his disposal promises to be a huge positive for Klopp given the loss of both Coutinho and Adam Lallana, who was recently ruled out for up to three months.
The striker was in fine form when called upon during Liverpool’s summer preparations, following up his bright finish to the 2016/2017 campaign and once again presenting himself as a valuable attacking outlet, supposedly whilst in the best shape he’s been in for some time.
Regardless of his wishes to leave, no Coutinho is a big blow for the Reds so early on in the season.
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