Daniel Sturridge, Danny Ings likely to be fit for Hoffenheim match

Jurgen Klopp has admitted that he is keen to get Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge back on the pitch following his latest injury setback, while Danny Ings is also closing in on a return to fitness.

Sturridge was forced off against Bayern Munich in the Audi Cup at the start of the month with a minor complaint, keeping him out of his side's final two pre-season friendlies.

The England international was quick to play down fears of a lengthy layoff, but he will sit out the season-opening clash against Watford on Saturday as Klopp wants him ready to take on Hoffenheim in Tuesday's Champions League qualifier.

"I'm pretty sure Daniel will be okay for Tuesday," Klopp told reporters, before being asked about the latest on Ings's injury return.

"Danny needs games. He looks really good in the sessions we had when he could be part 100%. There was no time for us to test him.

"Now he's ready to go, as fit as he can be. He will play tonight with the Under-23s. He is not really an option [against Watford] because he had no pre-season games."

Liverpool will also be without Barcelona target Philippe Coutinho against Watford, as they look to pick up maximum points on the opening weekend of the season for a fifth year running.