Liverpool didn’t win at Sunderland and that could cost them in the chase for the Premier League title but more than the draw what could affect the side are the injuries to Daniel Sturridge and James Milner. The Englishmen were both replaced in the game and the Reds have a number of fixtures in their January schedule.
Jurgen Klopp did give an update about the duo with Daniel Sturridge being a major worry. The former Chelsea man did open the scoring in the game at the Stadium of Light but had to be replaced in the second half after a heavy tackle from Papy Djilobodji.
The Englishman had to be taken down the tunnel and had only returned to the first team after yet another lengthy spell out of action.
Milner too was replaced by the German manager in the second half with Alberto Moreno coming on to replace the versatile Englishman. Klopp did state that he is hopeful that both sides can make it back to the side soon.
Speaking in his post-match press conference, Klopp shared what injuries the Reds duo picked up:
“[Sturridge] got a knock on his right ankle. I don’t think it’s too bad. [Milner] felt like he got a knock on the calf, but he didn’t know exactly if he got a knock. So then we needed to be really careful, so that’s why we made a change.”
The Reds will be playing in the FA Cup third round at Anfield against lower league Plymouth Argyle and while many expect a number of changes in the side, Klopp was not sure about the presence of his captain, who also missed the game at the Stadium of Light.
“I don’t know exactly,” Klopp said when asked how long he will be without his captain for. “Hopefully it’s not too serious, but the FA Cup will be difficult.”
Liverpool did struggle in the game against Sunderland and it could be down to fixture congestion. The Reds don’t have the largest squad in the Premier League and the lack of quality first team players was on show in the match against the Black Cats.
The Reds could lose further ground in the title race should Chelsea win at Tottenham but with half of the season gone and a decent cup run in the EFL Cup, Liverpool fans could be looking for a great end to the season. All they have to do is keep their first teamers fit, should they achieve that, silverware would be coming to Anfield.
