Jurgen Klopp provides update on Hendo, Milner & Shaq, with trio “coming closer”

Jurgen Klopp has revealed Jordan Henderson, Xherdan Shaqiri and James Milner are all “coming closer” to returning, with the latter likely to be involved at Chelsea.

The Reds are in largely positive shape heading into the business end of the season, but were dealt a particular blow with Henderson’s hamstring injury last week.

Henderson is expected to miss the next three games, and could return for the Champions League decider at home to Atletico Madrid on March 11, though the extent of Shaqiri’s layoff is unclear.

Milner missed the 3-2 win over West Ham as a precaution, due to a minor muscle injury, and is pencilled in for a comeback for the FA Cup fifth-round clash with Chelsea on Tuesday night.

Meanwhile, Klopp explained that Henderson and Shaqiri are “coming closer,” but neither are expected for the trip to Stamford Bridge.

“All coming closer, much closer. Hendo is running, Milly is running and even more,” he told reporters ahead of Saturday’s visit to Watford.

“It wasn’t enough for this game now, but we will see especially with Milly what we can do for Tuesday.

“Not sure about Hendo and Shaq, not yet, but they’re all coming closer. All good.”

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, February 1, 2020: Liverpool's Georginio Wijnaldum (L) and Southampton's James Ward-Prowse during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Southampton FC at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Klopp is unlikely to make many changes at Vicarage Road, though the big question mark is over the third man in midfield, with Naby Keita possibly coming out to be replaced by Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

The FA Cup could see more alterations, as Klopp could reward a host of youngsters for their cup performances so far, with the likes of Neco Williams, Harvey Elliott and Curtis Jones in contention.

Milner could captain the side that night, and may even provide Andy Robertson with a rest at left-back, with the Scot having started the last 13 games in the Premier League and Champions League.

His most recent substitute outing in either competition came in the 2-0 win over Watford at Anfield on December 14.