Key players Jordan Henderson and Daniel Sturridge could both return to the first-team picture after the international break, reports claim.
The star duo, who are both yet to feature under new Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, are both targeting a return after this month’s break for international fixtures.
According to the Express‘ Paul Joyce, Henderson has returned to outdoor training ahead of his comeback.
“Henderson is six weeks into his recovery from a broken metatarsal and has started doing outdoor work at Melwood,” Joyce writes.
“The midfielder was expected to be out for between eight to 10 weeks with that injury, but must also test the heel problem that troubled him at the start of the campaign when he returns to full training.”
Henderson’s return would be a welcome boost to Klopp, who has been short of midfield options so far during his time on Merseyside.
James Milner, Lucas Leiva and Emre Can have all featured heavily, while he has been forced to draft in academy stars Cameron Brannagan and Pedro Chirivella alongside squad option Joe Allen.
Milner’s poor performances serving as stand-in captain have been a major cause for concern, and Henderson could well take the 29-year-old’s place in the starting lineup if he makes a full recovery by the end of the month.
Henderson is likely to fit in perfectly under Klopp, with his work rate and intensity suiting the demands of the German’s system.
Meanwhile Sturridge, who was initially thought to be suffering a minor knee issue, is thought to be sidelined for a further three weeks.
ESPN FC’s Peter O’Rourke suggests that the 26-year-old is “unlikely to be risked” before the end of the international break, with Klopp wary of recurring issues with his fitness.
“Sturridge is set to miss out on Roy Hodgson’s England squad for the friendlies with Spain and France later this month,” O’Rourke writes, confirmed Sturridge’s ongoing injury problem.
“Liverpool have now pencilled Sturridge in for a return to action against former club Manchester City on Novemeber 21.”
This is a considerable blow for Klopp and the Liverpool support.
When fully fit, Sturridge is one of the finest strikers in European football, with two goals in just three games this season serving as an example of his quality.
Sturridge could adapt to become a key attacking outlet for Klopp, with the German in desperate need of pace and movement in the centre-forward’s role.
But the club are right to practice caution, given Sturridge’s lengthy injury history.
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