While Liverpool FC try to shake off the heartbreakingly narrow defeat at the hands of Manchester United at Anfield, manager Jurgen Klopp seems to be preparing his younger charges for the FA Cup third round match against Exeter City.
The Reds needed a 73rd minute equaliser from Bradley Smith to earn them a replay at Anfield, but this time round they would be looking to take full advantage of the crowd support at the Merseyside stadium to proceed to the fourth round. However, Klopp has confirmed that he would be effectively putting out a second-string side.
“There are different things we have to talk about and it is not always injury situations. We’ve had a few players in the squads for the games against Manchester United and Arsenal that were injured a few weeks ago,” Klopp said on Liverpool FC’s official website.
“We have to think about for who it makes sense and for who it’s not too dangerous or difficult to start again. We have to build a squad with players who are in a situation to win the game, to help us, where there’s not too much doubt about [recurring] injuries and things like this,” he further said.
Flanagan in, Sturridge still out
The German manager would be happy to finally have someone tell him that one of his players is ready to come back from an injury. Klopp confirmed that Jon Flanagan has started training with the first team after being out of action for the whole of last season due to a knee problem. According to the former Dortmund boss, Flanagan could get a run out on the pitch if there are no new developments with his knee.
However, the often-injured Daniel Sturridge is still out with a hamstring injury and will play no part in the game, Klopp confirmed.
“There is absolutely no chance for Daniel,” said Klopp. “He has had no team training until now since Newcastle, so that’s not a situation where we can think about him. We have always to find solutions.”
