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Klopp gives update on Sturridge injury; Henderson close to return

Britain Soccer Europa League

Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool FC

AP

LIVERPOOL -- Jurgen Klopp has confirmed that Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge has suffered a setback in his latest return from injury and he doesn’t seem too pleased.

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Klopp stated that Sturridge -- who has yet to play for the German coach since he arrived at the club as manager in October -- has been stepping up his recovery from a knee problem but it is now believed the England international, 26, has suffered a new foot injury which makes him a big doubt for their game against Swansea City at Anfield (Watch live, 11:15 a.m. ET on NBCSN and online via Live Extra) on Sunday.

Speaking to the assembled media at Liverpool’s Melwood training ground, Klopp said Sturridge’s latest setback isn’t serious but he’s isn’t sure if he will be available to return to action in the coming days, while he also seemed to call Sturridge’s pain threshold into question.

“We have to accept the situation and that is Danny was very often injured in last few months and maybe years,” Klopp said. “Everybody wants him back on the pitch but we all have to learn the situation. It’s not that serious. It’s completely normal after a long injury. so it is normal when you get back in training usually it is not the quality, but you need training. Your body has to learn to adapt to new intensities of training and in this time you have to learn what is serious pain and what is only pain.”

“The training for him was intensive, how it should be and we had some new things to talk about. We had to make some assessment and that’s what we did so now we can say it is not that serious but it is not possible to go on as before. We have to react to a situation and that is completely normal after a long injury.”

Asked if Sturridge could return this weekend, Klopp simply said: “I don’t know,” but it will certainly be a big worry that Liverpool’s star striker has suffered yet another injury after spending most of the last 12 months on the sidelines with thigh, hip and knee issues. Sturridge scored twice against Aston Villa during a three-game comeback spell at the end of September and start of October in Brendan Rodgers’ final games in charge but injured his knee in Klopp’s first week at the club.

He was fit enough to make the bench during Liverpool’s 4-1 demolition of Manchester City last week but has since been sent for scans on his foot injury.

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Liverpool’s manager also confirmed that captain Jordan Henderson-- who has been out since September with a broken foot suffered in training -- has been knocking down his door to get back as soon as possible.

“Henderson wants (to come back), I can say that,” Klopp laughed. “But we have to wait to see how he adapts to training. If we see he is ready he will join in our game as he is an important player for us. I try to give myself the time to decide until tomorrow or Sunday when I have the latest information about how intensive the game yesterday was. All the players from yesterday were in good shape. “

With Philippe Coutinho also struggling with a knock and Lucas missing this weekend through yellow card accumulation, Klopp was pleased that former Swansea City midfielder Joe Allen played 60 minutes against Bordeaux in the 2-1 Europa League win on Thursday night and praised the Welshman.

Klopp danced around questions about Liverpool challenging for the title after impressive away wins at Chelsea and Man City have got people talking, but if the Reds beat a Swansea side who have only won once in their last eight games, and other results go their way, they could be just five points off the top heading into December.

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