Jurgen Klopp: Have to be patient with Daniel Sturridge’s return

Liverpool manager, Jürgen Klopp, has expressed satisfaction with his side after progressing to the Europa League knock out stage with a 2-1 victory over French Ligue 1 side, Bordeaux on Thursday night.

“It’s not that serious”.

Sturridge, who netted 21 goals during the 2013-14 campaign as Liverpool finished runners-up to City, made just seven league starts last season as he was sidelined by thigh and calf problems before undergoing a hip operation in May.

Benteke has struggled with hamstring and knee problems since arriving from Aston Villa for £32.5 million in July, and Klopp is unsure about asking him to play two matches in four days.

With Jurgen Klopp talking about a need for assessing pain and serious pain, could Liverpool’s most potent (when fit) striker be heading for the Anfield exit door?

“I can not think of this like you because I have not been here that long”, he began.

“Of course everybody wants him back on the pitch but we all have to learn – that is what the situation yesterday was”. The training was intensive, as it should have been.

“We have to stay patient”.

“But I’m very happy to be qualified, the team is very happy to be qualified, the club is very happy to be qualified, so you can be happy to be qualified if you want”. “He is a good player and a great professional”, Klopp purred.

Daniel Sturridge has picked up a minor foot problem but he could be on the bench this Sunday. When Daniel comes back after this long break you would train five weeks in a row and play only in friendly games.

Klopp will wait until the last minute to assess the fitness of playmaker Philippe Coutinho ahead of the visit of Swansea City.

“There were many good things in this game tonight, but some things were hard”, he said.

The manager told reporters: “I hope he’s not a big miss”. We will see the evolution.

Henderson has not played since August 17, initially because of a bruised heel and then because of a broken bone in his foot, but the midfielder is now back in full training and may face the Swans at Anfield.