Liverpool boss Klopp sets Origi and Henderson deadline to prove their fitness for Europa League Final
Manager reveals latest on fitness of injured stars
Liverpool's Divock Origi celebrates scoring his side's first goal of the game during the Barclays Premier League match at Anfield, Liverpool. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Wednesday April 20, 2016. See PA story SOCCER Liverpool. Photo credit should read: Nigel French/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications.
Jurgen Klopp says captain Jordan Henderson and striker Divock Origi must be fit for Liverpool's last Premier League game of the season if they want to feature in the Europa League final.
Henderson has been out for a month after suffering knee ligament damage away to Borussia Dortmund, while Origi damaged ankle ligaments against Everton a fortnight ago.
The manager insists both still could have a part to play in Liverpool's pursuit of glory but to do so they will have to be available for the trip to West Brom on May 15 – three days before the showdown with Sevilla in Basel.
“I don't know exactly in this moment but Jordan was really celebrating after the game. I saw in his eyes that he thinks there is a chance (of playing in the final),” Klopp said.
“That's the most important step in the right direction. It's the same with Divock Origi. We will see.
“Before you are able to play the final on the Wednesday after the end of the season, I think the latest moment after a long break when you should be available is the Sunday before. If not then it's not worth taking the risk.”
Liverpool's Jordan Henderson on crutches in the stand at Anfield
Daniel Sturridge shone in Thursday night's stunning semi-final demolition of Villarreal as he bagged his 12th goal of the season.
And Klopp believes England will reap the benefits of how Liverpool have carefully managed his fitness in recent months.
“We've done everything we could to make Daniel as fit as possible. Now he's at the highest level,” Klopp said.
“It's really perfect news for England for the European Championship. We tried to do our best with him. He's done the same in the sessions and on the pitch.”
It was a complete team performance against Villarreal as the Reds' unity shone through. There is no room for whingers under Klopp.
“To be honest I am a really nice guy but if you complain in the wrong moment with the wrong words you will have a problem with me,” he said.
“It's all about the team and as long as you understand this it's brilliant. Most people I know are able to learn. It's been very helpful.”
Liverpool FC v Villarreal in Europa League Semi Final Second Leg at Anfield. Daniel Sturridge scores
Liverpool's serene progress in Europe has been accompanied by their stuttering domestic form. They sit eighth in the Premier League ahead of Sunday's home clash with Watford.
Klopp believes the hectic schedule – coupled with injury problems – has cost them in terms of their league position.
“There's been no difference in attitude between the Premier League and the Europa League games. These boys always gave their all,” he said.
“It's been about timing and luck in specific moments.
Klopp - There's really something in this team
“The Europa League gives us the opportunity to maybe qualify for the Champions League. But on the other side it has also cost us an opportunity in the Premier League to qualify for the Champions League because of the number of games we've had to play with the injuries and circumstances we had.
“I am really looking forward to the pre-season that will make us stronger and fitter. You need a bit of luck on the injuries side. We can be a really strong side if we train often enough.
“These boys have given me a lot of nice tips. There's really something in this team.
“The boys always want to hear what was good and what was not so good. That's the best thing when you work together.
“The Europa League has been special because it's a knockout tournament. You need to play your best and come through.”
Jurgen Klopp talks with Danny Ings during the training session at Melwood Training ground on May 04, 2016 (Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Klopp will make sweeping changes for Sunday's game but Danny Ings won't make his long-awaited comeback.
The England striker has been back in full training for a week but after seven months he won't be rushed.
“I'm pretty sure Danny wants to (play before the end of the season,” Klopp added.
“He's come back after a long break and has trained at the highest level. “He's a good striker. I knew before and now I've seen it.
“In this moment it makes no sense. We have all these fit players. If there's a chance we will do it but we won't force it. Danny's time will come 100%.
“There will be changes on Sunday for sure but we will try to do everything to win this game because we respect this league. We want to have the best position we can get at the end of the season.
Liverpool vs Sevilla
