Jurgen Klopp has revealed Sadio Mane will be fit for Liverpool’s GameDay clash against Arsenal, and is optimistic that Jordan Henderson and Andy Robertson will be fit as well.
Mane returned from duty in Senegal with bruised ribs, while Henderson suffered a minor injury in England’s World Cup qualifier against Albania last week.
Liverpool appeared to be having an injury crisis ahead of the game but Mane and Robertson at least appear to be available
Right-back Robertson was also forced out of the way in Scotland’s 2-0 win over Denmark on Monday, which secured the Scots’ place in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers as a team first in the series.
News of injuries during the international break raised fears among Liverpool fans ahead of their Premier League clash with Arsenal this weekend – Which one is LIVE and EXCLUSIVE on talkSPORT.
However, Klopp believes they will all be in the running for Saturday night’s kickoff, live on talkSPORT.
“Robbo was lucky you can probably tell,” Klopp told the Liverpool website.
“It was a bit DOMS [delayed onset muscle soreness], the intensity of all the games he’s probably played, rather than anything else.
“He was smart enough to [make] the right decision he left early which he usually doesn’t but in this case it was absolutely right, so there’s a good chance he could get involved on the weekend.
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Liverpool captain Henderson returned early from England duty
“Hendo, a little more [injured] than Robbo, but a chance for the weekend so we’re working on it.
“It’s not a serious injury, but in this short period of time we have to see if he’s ready for Saturday, but after that 100%, and maybe also for Arsenal.”
Mane has been put back into shape, but compatriot Divock Origi will be assessed after suffering a dead leg while playing for Belgium.
“Sadio is fine – painful but fine,” Klopp added.
“Anyone who’s had a bruise on their ribs knows it’s an annoying thing. But Sadio has trained here with us now in all sessions.
Midfielders Naby Keita and James Milner [both hamstring] won’t be ready for the weekend but could potentially feature in the Champions League at home against Porto on Wednesday.
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Mane has six goals in 11 Premier League appearances this season
“Naby and James are also in a good way, getting closer,” said the Reds boss.
“Probably next week we expect them to return to team training, let’s see what that means for the Porto game – but not for the weekend, they are not available.”
Defender Joe Gomez [calf], striker Roberto Firmino [hamstring] and midfielder Curtis Jones [eye] stay away longer.
Listen to the full Liverpool vs Arsenal commentary live on talkSPORT, kick off at 5:30 p.m.
