Liverpool squad return to training – 1 injury return, but another still absent

November 13, 2017
Jack Lusby

Jordan Henderson was among those pictured at Melwood on Monday, as Jurgen Klopp oversees preparations for Liverpool vs. Southampton.

The Reds entertain their Premier League opponents at Anfield on Saturday afternoon (3pm GMT), as they return from the final international break of the year.

Klopp was able to provide a host of his players with an extended break after their 4-1 win away to West Ham, with the likes of Mohamed Salah and Daniel Sturridge left out by their countries.

But making their way back to Merseyside over the weekend, a relatively strong Liverpool squad reported for training on Monday morning.

The major news from West Derby is the sighting of Henderson among Klopp’s training group, with the captain having missed the win over the Hammers with a thigh injury.

Henderson pulled out of England duty as a result, but now seems to have recovered in time for the buildup to Saturday’s clash.

There was no sign of Adam Lallana among the group, however, but Klopp was expected to arrange a behind-closed-doors friendly this week to hasten the midfielder’s recovery.

Sadio Mane is also back on Merseyside this week, but not yet in training as the winger undergoes scans on his hamstring.

Loris Karius, Joel Matip, Ragnar Klavan, Andrew Robertson, Jon Flanagan, James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Danny Ings were all pictured along with Henderson, Salah and Sturridge, however.

Academy goalkeeper Shamal George, on loan at Carlisle United this season, also took part, with Simon Mignolet, Danny Ward, Caoimhin Kelleher and Kamil Grabara all on international duty.

Lazar Markovic was not pictured, but the winger is likely to be joining sessions having been left out for Serbia’s clashes against China and South Korea.

Klopp is likely to draft in a host of youngsters for Liverpool’s midweek friendly, and Ovie Ejaria, Yan Dhanda and Rhian Brewster should be among those involved.

Brewster opted against joining his fellow England U17s team-mates in celebrating their World Cup triumph at Wembley on Friday night, instead turning out for the Liverpool U23s.

The 17-year-old played 66 minutes in the young Reds’ 2-1 win at home to Newcastle United in the Premier League International Cup, being replaced by Liam Millar.