Liverpool certainly picked up a number of injuries in the 2-2 draw against Sunderland. James Milner and Daniel Sturridge both had to be substituted and there were fears that the pair would be out for a long time.

With the FA Cup game against Plymouth on Sunday but the German is expected to play many of the fringe players and give his first teamers a much needed break. The manager did state that Milner will not feature in the game at Anfield and also added that Sturridge is back in training with the squad.

“Daniel didn’t train until now. Probably today [he will return to training], we’ll see. It depends how he feels, that’s how it is. It should be possible, but I’m not sure.”

Milner was suspected to have picked up a calf injury but the German manager ensured that the injury was not severe and it was more of a precautionary measure to rest the Englishman in the game against the Black Cats.

“[Milner is] better. We were lucky, we had no proper injuries after the game so that’s all good, but Millie had this little issue with the calf. We were not sure, because of the intensity or whatever, that it wasn’t more, but I am pretty sure we will not take the risk with him for the weekend.”

Klopp also gave an update about Philippe Coutinho and Joel Matip. The duo missed the game against Sunderland and even against Manchester City and will not be facing the lower league side in the cup.

“[Coutinho is] on a very good way but not for the weekend, and [Matip is the] same.”

Injuries piling up for the Reds

The lack of fit players will certainly be a major problem for Klopp for the rest of the season. The busy Christmas and New Year period of games have certainly hit the Reds hard but fortunately the Merseyside club need to play a lower league club in the FA Cup.

Plymouth should not be a problem to deal with but playing Southampton in the EFL Cup semi-final first leg could be a banana skin before the club faces Manchester United in the Premier League.

Playing away at Old Trafford will not be easy and hopefully they reds will have some of their first team players back in the side. United have been on a golden run and the sooner the likes of Coutinho and Sturridge return, the better the chances of Liverpool winning at the ground of the enemy.

The Premier League title can be won or lost with these close games and Liverpool have to keep their momentum going.