Clyne and Henderson Face Fitness Race for Swans Meeting

With the fixtures coming fast and thick, there’s not much time for training or recovery around the Liverpool camp. The draw with Manchester United last weekend was quickly followed up with a FA Cup replay win over Plymouth Argyle midweek and hot on the heels of our trip to Home Park, we’re hosting Premier League strugglers Swansea City at Anfield.

“All in a good way. Clyney and Hendo were not in team training until now, but should be back today. That’s the last moment,” explained Reds boss Jurgen Klopp, giving the press a quick injury update on Nathaniel Clyne and captain Jordan Henderson. “Clyney could make two running sessions, only to feel if he can cope with the pain,” explained the German manager, hinting that he could name the fullback in his starting eleven tomorrow. “I saw him yesterday and the thumb was very up – so that’s good.”

Clyne, who up until the trip to Old Trafford last weekend, had played every minute of every Premier League match for Liverpool this season, is carrying a rib injury picked up against Southampton in the first leg of their League Cup semi-final with the South Coast club. In his absence, youngster Trent Alexander-Arnold has been performing admirably, but if the more experienced 25-year old can get back in the thick of things, that would be ideal. The same, of course, goes for Henderson — though the boss sounds a touch apprehensive about his fitness.

“Hendo should be OK, too,” continued Klopp, switching his focus to the skipper who was rested in the narrow win over the Pilgrims on Wednesday after making an impressive return to action against Manchester United last weekend. “He felt the muscle a little bit more than he’s used to. It’s still about the heel,” added the Liverpool manager, confirming that the ongoing issue is far from completely resolved. “That’s more the problem still.”