Monday's LFC headlines: Klopp, birthdays and an award
Our round-up of Monday's Liverpool FC news includes the key points from Jürgen Klopp's press conference as focus turns to the EFL Cup semi-final clash with Southampton.
A day on from the goalless draw with Plymouth Argyle in the FA Cup, the manager was at Melwood to speak to the media before the trip to St Mary’s on Wednesday night.
Here is a summary of the day’s events…
Our top three stories…
There was good news on the injury front as Klopp revealed Philippe Coutinho could be part of the squad for the clash with the Saints. Jordan Henderson, Joel Matip and James Milner also featured in the update.
The boss discussed team selection, too, suggesting that Loris Karius will be in goal - and rejected any notion of Liverpool being ‘favourites’.
Reds fans have been jointly honoured by FIFA, alongside those of Borussia Dortmund, for the remarkable rendition of ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ which preceded the second leg of their Europa League quarter-final at Anfield last April.
Joe Gomez made his long-awaited return to first-team duty on Sunday afternoon, playing the whole 90 minutes of the stalemate against Plymouth.
The defender was naturally delighted to be back on the pitch at Anfield, explaining after the game that he dreamed of the moment during his injury lay-off.
FA Cup fourth-round draw…
Liverpool face a replay with the Pilgrims later this month, following the 0-0 result, and Monday evening’s fourth-round draw revealed who is next up for the winners of the second game – Wolverhampton Wanderers at home.
That trip to Plymouth has been confirmed as a 7.45pm GMT kick-off on Wednesday January 18, meanwhile.
Inside Melwood
Our photographers were at the training ground on Monday morning as the Reds embarked on the first workout in preparation for the Saints tie. Click here to view a full gallery from Melwood.
Happy birthday!
It was a landmark occasion for the longest-serving member of Liverpool’s squad – with Lucas Leiva celebrating his 30th birthday. And there were plenty of well wishes to the Brazilian…
Ray Houghton – who made 202 appearances and scored 38 goals for the Reds during his five-year spell with the club – also turned 55. Many happy returns!
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Coming up on Liverpoolfc.com on Tuesday…
Build-up to the first leg of the EFL Cup semi-final against Southampton will continue, with Alberto Moreno previewing the journey south and a quiz to test your memory of the previous meeting with the Saints in the competition.