Brendan Rodgers has confirmed that Daniel Sturridge and Jordan Henderson will both be assessed ahead of Liverpool's match against Norwich City in the Premier League on Sunday.
The striker has been a long-term absentee with a hip problem, while the club's captain has been undergoing treatment for a heel issue in America.
The manager also spoke about the pressure he is under, and the team's lack of goals so far this season.
Read what else was discussed below.
Good afternoon! Brendan Rodgers will be speaking to reporters in a few minutes as he prepares his side for the visit of Norwich City in the Premier League on Sunday. The manager will be talking less than 24 hours following his side's opening fixture in the Europa League.
Although Liverpool were away, it wasn't too much of a journey for Rodgers's side, as they traveled to Bordeaux for a 1-1 draw with the Ligue 1 side. It was a much-changed side for the visitors though, with many of the team that featured against Manchester United not included in the squad.
Rodgers should be making his way into the press area at Melwood shortly, so there's just time to remind you that we'll have live coverage of this match on Sunday from an hour before kickoff, as well as all the team news and post-match reaction, so make sure you join us then to see if Liverpool can end their losing run.
Rodgers will hopefully have an update on his squad's fitness this afternoon. Daniel Sturridge has been back in training over the last week, while Jordan Henderson is receiving treatment in the USA for a heel problem. Kolo Toure was injured early on in the Europa League outing too.
With defeats to West Ham United and Man Utd, as well as unconvincing wins over Stoke City and Bournemouth so far this season, Brendan Rodgers's position at Liverpool has started to be questioned in the last couple of weeks, with many tipping former Borussia Dortmund manager Jurgen Klopp to replace the Northern Irishman.
Liverpool will have Philippe Coutinho available again this weekend, having served a suspension last time out following his sending off against West Ham. Here he is in action against Bordeaux last night:
PHOTO: @Phil_Coutinho in action in Bordeaux #LFC pic.twitter.com/M7WpkARkUL
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) September 17, 2015
Coming into this match, Liverpool have scored just three goals in the Premier League this season, only Newcastle United have scored fewer. Two of their goals have come from summer signing Christian Benteke, including a consolation in their defeat to Man United last weekend.
Right then, a few minutes later than expected, Rodgers is ready to speak to the media, so let's see what he has to say this week.
It sounds like positive news on the injury front as Rodgers confirms: "Jordan [Henderson] will train today, Daniel [Sturridge] has been training with the team for a week or so, so will be assessed. We've got players hopefully coming back that will add to the squad and see us go on a run of games."
When asked about the team's position in the league, Rodgers admits: "In reality, we are a few points off where we wanted to be. The players coming back will allow us to maximise the level of our performance."
On the team's lack of goals, Rodgers insists: "It's about staying calm, reinforcing how we get into positions for goals. We'll get there."
Rodgers is asked about reports suggesting his job is under threat, but he calmly dismisses the speculation: "It's the nature of management, I always focus on what I can control."
Asked what Sturridge's return will bring to the team, Rodgers responds: "On his day he's one of the best there is He can stretch teams, and has wonderful variety in his finish. [A Sturridge-Benteke partnership is] an exciting dynamic."
Mamadou Sakho has struggled with injury at the start of the season, but was captain in the Europa League outing last night. Rodgers is full of praise for the defender: "He's been immaculate in training, off the field he's been working hard to get to his peak level. You can either sulk, or get your head down and work hard, and that's what he's done. He is certainly in contention for the weekend."
Adam Lallana was on the scoresheet against Bordeaux, and the manager insists: "Adam, when he's played, has done really well for us, the only negative is the injuries, his performances have been excellent."
Rodgers is asked about the potential impact of Henderson and Sturridge. He tells reporters: "A player who can get you 25+ goals per season is going to be missed. Jordan's impact has grown during my time here. When you miss players of that calibre, it's going to have an impact."
On the team's performance against Bordeaux, Rodgers insists: "They coped very well. Now we can hopefully build on that. We know it can be better, and the players are aware of that. I'm reasonably calm that our progress will come."
Rodgers is full of praise for Joe Allen, who has been missing with a hamstring injury in recent weeks: "People don't mention Joe Allen, but players like him are very important as they make us play. Jon Flanagan too. When I play with a striker off the side, he's not an out and out winger. We know we need to create and score more."
Rodgers is asked about Toure's fitness following his early withdrawal against Bordeaux, and the manager confirms that he will be assessed after tomorrow's training session.
Well, that's all from Rodgers today. Liverpool fans will be delighted to hear that Jordan Henderson and Daniel Sturridge are both edging closer to a return to action following a difficult couple of matches for the team.
So, join us again on Sunday to see if Liverpool can secure their first win in four Premier League outings. Until then, thanks for joining me this afternoon. Goodbye.
Written by
Sian Cowper
Sian Cowper
