Klopp gives updates on three players – and himself

Matt Stead

Jurgen Klopp has given fitness updates on three Liverpool players – as well as himself – ahead of their game against West Ham on Tuesday.

The Reds face West Ham in an FA Cup fourth-round replay at Upton Park, a fixture which represents their 12th of the calendar year already.

Liverpool have struggled with numerous injuries throughout the season, but Klopp had positive updates with regards to the fitness of Daniel Sturridge, Philippe Coutinho and Divock Origi on Monday – as well as his own.

“We haven’t decided anything yet,” the German said with regards to his starting line-up on Tuesday. “Daniel was fit enough to be on the bench on Saturday and was impressive on Friday in training.

“I hope to have Divock and Philippe Coutinho in the squad tomorrow.

“It is complicated because extra-time is possible. They can’t all start together because then we have to make three changes.

“It is always about who is available and who played the last game.

“We have too many players in training at the moment, we have 38 with the young lads involved.

“Tomorrow we will name a squad but it will not be like Exeter because a lot of players are now available.”

Klopp revealed that Liverpool had planned for Sturridge to make an appearance from the bench against Sunderland, but the England international did not come on.

“We would have liked to, but the game had a different story with a few early changes,” Klopp said. “We had hoped he would play for 15 minutes but it didn’t happen.”

The manager also discussed his return, having been forced to miss the game on Saturday due to undergoing surgery to remove his appendix.

“I feel good,” Klopp said. “A lot of people have had this before. I had one not too good night but I feel good!

“Our doctor said I should go to hospital. I was not too sure, but the surgeon was great – and he was a season ticket holder, so missed the game too!

“I am fit and healthy otherwise I wouldn’t be here.”