LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Thursday, March 10, 2016: Liverpool's captain Jordan Henderson in action against Manchester United during the UEFA Europa League Round of 16 1st Leg match at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Jordan Henderson and Divock Origi eyeing Europa League final return – Klopp

After securing a place in the Europa League final, Jurgen Klopp says both Jordan Henderson and Divock Origi are hoping to be fit to feature.

Henderson was ruled out for the rest of the season with a knee injury suffered in the Reds’ 1-1 draw with Borussia Dortmund in the quarter-finals, while Origi joined him days later with an ankle problem.

This left Klopp without two of his most important players at a crucial stage of the season, but with Liverpool sealing progress to the showcase clash at St Jakob-Park, their campaign has been extended.

Taking place in Basel on May 18, the Reds could be boosted by returns for both Henderson and Origi.

Speaking to reporters on Friday morning, Klopp said that both believe they have “a chance” of recovering in time for the final.

“I don’t know exactly in this moment,” he explained, when asked whether Henderson would definitely return.

“He was really celebrating after the game.

“I saw in his eyes he thinks he has a chance. The same with Divock Origi.

“If they are available for the Sunday before then there’s a chance. If not hopefully [there is] no situation for taking a risk.

“Hendo’s in a really good way, so it’s good for England. There’s no doubt in this moment for being fit for the Euros.”

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Thursday, May 5, 2016: Liverpool's Daniel Sturridge and Nathaniel Clyne celebrate after his side's 3-0 victory over Villarreal, reaching the final 3-1 on aggregate, during the UEFA Europa League Semi-Final 2nd Leg match at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

The risk that Klopp refers to is a hypothetical, necessary one assuming further injuries to other players within the squad.

But with the likes of Emre Can and James Milner in fine form against Villarreal on Thursday night, and Daniel Sturridge coming to the fore with a dominant centre-forward display, Klopp will be hoping this isn’t the case.

Sturridge scored one and played a hand in two others as the Reds romped to a 3-0 win at Anfield, sealing their place in the final, and Klopp believes the striker is now at “the highest level.”

“It’s not about being careful,” he said, when asked whether he would continue to manage Sturridge’s fitness.

“We all together, Daniel involved, did everything we could to get him as fit as possible, and now he’s at the highest level.

“Perfect news for England and things like this.

“We tried to do our best, and he does the same in the sessions and on the pitch.”

Sturridge will be hoping to keep up his good form as Liverpool push for Europa League glory this month, and if Henderson and Origi are able to return, Klopp will have considerable strength in depth to call upon.

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