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LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, October 25, 2015: Liverpool's Christian Benteke celebrates scoring the first goal against Southampton during the Premier League match at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Christian Benteke returns vs. Chelsea, but Sturridge still out

Christian Benteke has recovered from a knee injury to return to action against Chelsea on Saturday, Jurgen Klopp has confirmed.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, October 25, 2015: Liverpool's Christian Benteke celebrates scoring the first goal against Southampton during the Premier League match at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Benteke took a knock to his knee during Liverpool’s 1-1 draw with Southampton last weekend, and missed Wednesday night’s League Cup clash with Bournemouth.

But, speaking to reporters at Melwood on Friday morning, Klopp revealed that Benteke was back fit.

“Christian trained quite normally, together with John – one of our fitness coaches – and it was good,” he explained.

“He’s prepared for tomorrow.”

However, as the German continued, he declared that “that’s the only thing that’s changed,” suggesting a host of other injury issues have not been resolved.

Kolo Toure was withdrawn in the first half against the Cherries in the League Cup, while Daniel Sturridge is yet to feature under Klopp after sustaining a knee injury in training.

Klopp confirmed that neither would return for Saturday’s trip to Stamford Bridge.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Wednesday, October 28, 2015: Liverpool's Kolo Toure goes off injured against AFC Bournemouth during the Football League Cup 4th Round match at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Klopp’s first month in charge of the Reds has been hampered by a number of serious injuries to first-team players, leading to speculation that the German would oversee a change in the club’s approach in the future.

However, addressing these reports Klopp instead praised the work of his medical department.

“I think this is one of the departments that works perfect,” he said.

“Everything is fine, there’s no doubt from my side after two and a half weeks.

“I know if you have a look on the other kind of injuries we have, you know it’s nothing with the medical department.

“It’s normal in football that nobody wants to wait, but we have to wait.

“Your rehab needs time.

“We have these two guys, in Ingsy and Gomez, that need a long time, but I can see Jordan Henderson and Flanagan closer there.”


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