With Jordan Henderson returning to outdoor training following his knee injury, Jurgen Klopp is optimistic about the midfielder’s recovery.
Henderson was set to miss the rest of the season with the injury he suffered during Liverpool’s Europa League quarter-final draw with Borussia Dortmund, but has stepped up his training with a view to taking part in next week’s final.
The Reds captain took part in outdoor work on Monday afternoon, and has outlined his intention to feature against Sevilla in Basel.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday afternoon, Klopp described Henderson’s recovery as “really good news,” but admitted he wasn’t sure whether he can return by May 18.
“Hendo first, really good news,” he said.
“With his injury we had to rest him for a long time, we couldn’t really do a lot.
“We met a possible surgeon and he said ‘no [he doesn’t need surgery]’. So it’s good.
“Yesterday he was on the pitch, not with the team, but the rehab department.
“It’s not sure [whether he can play vs. Sevilla], because it’s only nine days now before the final.
“But 100 percent he will be fit for the Euros in France. That’s how it is. For our game, we have to see what happens.”
Liverpool face a season-defining nine days, as Klopp seeks a fifth-placed finish in the league and European glory with a win over Sevilla.
Having rested a number of his key players for Sunday’s 2-0 win at home to Watford, Klopp revealed that he will continue to rotate his squad for the next three games.
But the German insisted that he would name a strong side for Wednesday night’s clash with Chelsea.
“We’ll bring the fittest players,” he continued.
“We had a few changes in the last game now most of the players who play tomorrow had a normal week.
“Then we’ll make a squad for Sunday, then make a squad for Basel. We do it all the time like this.
“What I’ve learned is to rotate! When you’re a young manager it’s not easy to do this. We’ve used our experience.
“We’ll have fresh legs for tomorrow and fresh legs for Sunday [vs. West Bromwich Albion].
“For the final you don’t have to think about fresh legs—we’ll be ready!”
Klopp can be expected to name the likes of Emre Can, Adam Lallana, Roberto Firmino and Daniel Sturridge in his starting lineup against Chelsea, as he looks for a momentum-building win.
Henderson will likely sit out, as he continues his rehabilitation, but if the midfielder is able to return for next week’s final, his presence will be a major boost to the Reds’ hopes.
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