Football
Glenn Price, Liverpool correspondent 7y

Nathaniel Clyne and Jordan Henderson nearing full fitness for Liverpool

LIVERPOOL -- Jurgen Klopp says he is hopeful Nathaniel Clyne and Jordan Henderson will be available for Liverpool's game against Swansea at Anfield on Saturday.

The dependable Clyne has been forced to sit out the Reds' last two matches with a rib injury sustained during the first leg of the EFL Cup semifinal defeat at Southampton.

Henderson, meanwhile, was rested for the midweek trip to Plymouth Argyle after returning to action from a heel problem in the 1-1 draw with Manchester United last weekend.

When asked for an injury update at a news conference on Friday afternoon, the Liverpool manager said: "All in a good way.

"Clyney and Hendo were not in team training until now, but should be back today. That's the last moment.

"Clyney could make two running sessions, only to feel if he can cope with the pain. I saw him yesterday and the thumb was very up -- so that's good. Hendo should be OK, too."

On Henderson, Klopp added: "He felt the muscle a little bit more than he's used to. It's still about the heel. That's more the problem still."

The Reds boss has welcomed Philippe Coutinho's return to the side, with the 24-year-old having fully recovered from ankle ligament damage.

The Brazilian forward made his first start since November in Wednesday's 1-0 win over Plymouth Argyle, lasting 65 minutes before being replaced by debutant Harry Wilson.

When asked how much of an creative impact Coutinho can now bring to Liverpool, Klopp responded: "A lot because you saw it already in the few minutes he has had in the last games.

"We're really happy. I was really happy with the opportunity of Plymouth that we could give him 60-something minutes.

"That was really good for him to get kind of a rhythm because even Phil Coutinho cannot be back on the pitch and immediately at 100 percent. That's actually not really possible.

"He is very important for us and I'm happy about this."

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