Brendan Rodgers has said that he has been impressed with striker Daniel Sturridge since he returned to training with the Liverpool squad.
The England international has been sidelined for several months with thigh, hip and calf injuries, but is close to a return to action.
The manager also revealed that Mamadou Sakho will need a late fitness test, despite the defender tweeting that he was fine following a back injury.
Read what else the manager discussed below:
Good afternoon! Brendan Rodgers is due to speak to reporters shortly as he prepares his side for a match against West Ham United at Anfield this weekend.
Liverpool will probably be happy to be focusing on the league again after a tricky run of cup matches. Defeat in the second leg of their League Cup tie earlier this week ended the Reds' hopes of a Wembley trip, and they'll need a replay to progress in the FA Cup after drawing with Bolton. They haven't lost in their last six in the league though.
The manager will hopefully be providing a fitness update. Striker Daniel Sturridge is nearing a return from a lengthy spell out with thigh and calf injuries, while Mamadou Sakho and Brad Jones could also be nearing a return to action.
The players have been training in snowy conditions at Melwood this morning:
PHOTOS: #LFC players training in the snowy conditions at Melwood today. pic.twitter.com/fISZycmhkH
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) January 29, 2015
In fact, speaking of Sturridge, here he is working hard in the snow this morning. Hopefully for Liverpool he is fully recovered, the cold isn't great for muscles!
PHOTO: @D_Sturridge in training with his #LFC teammates this morning. pic.twitter.com/awTwzkdmFD
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) January 29, 2015
Rodgers has been asked about Raheem Sterling's impending new contract during the last few weeks, and that will surely be a topic again this week. With the transfer window closing in just a few days, it wouldn't be a surprise to hear Rodgers asked about last-minute transfer action.
Don't forget, we'll have live coverage of this, and every other Premier League match taking place this weekend from an hour before kickoff, as well as loads of post-match reaction, analysis and player ratings.
While we wait for the official team news from Rodgers, Mamadou Sakho has already confirmed that he will be available this weekend after overcoming a back injury:
Nothing alarming, I will be able to join the group tomorrow ! Rien d'inquietant, je peux... http://t.co/AESzoUGh9r pic.twitter.com/2U0G3WvMaH
— Mamadou Sakho (@mamadousakho3) January 29, 2015
After this match, Liverpool have an FA Cup replay against Bolton to look forward to, just a few days ahead of the Liverpool derby at Goodison Park. It's a busy month as they also face Spurs and Southampton in the league, as well as Besiktas in the Europa League.
Liverpool head into this match sitting eighth in the Premier League table, just one spot behind this weekend's opponents. A win could be enough to move Brendan Rodger's side up to sixth though.
Right then, a few minutes later than expected, Rodgers is ready to talk to the media, so let's see what he has to say...
Rodgers is asked about his relationship with Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho following the League Cup semi-final earlier this week. He responds: "There is no needle [between us]. The most important thing for me is that the team is returning to a top level."
Attention quickly turns to Sterling's contract, and the manager reveals: "It's all in hand with his representatives. He's happy and sees his long-term future here. He's a real sponge for learning."
Rodgers is asked about Sturridge's return to training. The manager tells reporters: "Daniel not playing has had a huge impact on our season. He has looked outstanding in training, he looks in top-class condition."
Ahead of the end of the transfer window, Rodgers admits: "Every manager would want more. I'd like to do one or two things, but the likelihood is we won't do anything, and it looks like that is going to be the case."
On this weekend's opponents, Rodgers says: "It's a different team and a different mentality [to the match against West Ham in September]. We're returned to the top level. If we get a positive result on Saturday, that'll put us in a great position [to challenge for the top four]."
Liverpool will likely face former teammates Andy Carroll and Stewart Downing this weekend. Rodgers tells the media: "I felt in terms of how I play and how the team has operated over a couple of seasons, [Carroll] would not have been a regular here. [Downing] wasn't someone I wanted to move on, he's a really gifted player and has a wonderful technique."
Brad Jones is thought to be close to a return to fitness, but Rodgers insists that he is confident in Simon Mignolet: "I think he shows the benefit of having some time out. He is looking like a different goalkeeper. He's starting to show the kind of form which was why we signed him. He's starting to be more aggressive now."
On his injured players, Rodgers says: "The last few days, and in particular this morning, [Sturridge has] been brilliant, really dynamic, fast and strong in finishing, but we can't put extra pressure on him. Sakho we'll asses tomorrow. He's recovering with his back."
That's all from Rodgers this afternoon, so join us again on Saturday to find out if Liverpool can make it seven unbeaten matches in the Premier League. Until then, thanks for joining me this afternoon. Goodbye.
Written by
Sian Cowper
Sian Cowper
