Optimistic Liverpool ready to bounce back against Baggies as Wijnaldum and Lallana return
The mood at Liverpool is an optimistic one despite the frustration of the goalless draw at home to Manchester United
The mood at Liverpool is an optimistic one despite the frustration of Monday’s goalless draw at home to Manchester United, as Juergen Klopp’s injury list shortens.
Georginio Wijnaldum’s influence was missed against United as he recovered from a hip injury sustained on World Cup duty with the Netherlands, but the midfielder is back in training and ready to play against West Brom at Anfield on Saturday.
Fellow midfielder Adam Lallana, who played half-an-hour as a substitute on Monday, has fully recovered from a groin problem and should be able to play a fuller part this weekend.
The return of Wijnaldum and Lallana, who have both made impressive starts to the season, has given Liverpool a significant lift.
“He’s a very good footballer, very important for us,” said Liverpool manager Klopp of Lallana. “Since I’ve been here, he’s on a constant high level.
“Obviously Southampton still miss him. A lot of players left Southampton in the last few years but with Adam they are still not happy that he is not there any more.
“That says a lot about his quality and influence he had already at Southampton. Now he’s here and I am really happy about this fact.”
The German also insisted he was happy with his goalkeeper, despite criticism of Loris Karius since he displaced the inconsistent Simon Mignolet.
“He has made a very good start, that’s how it is,” said Klopp. “We watched him for a long time and especially in the last two years in the Bundesliga, he was outstanding. But he is still a young boy, for a goalkeeper especially.
“So, of course, he has to improve and can improve, but with the start I feel quite comfortable and everything is good.”
For West Brom, Saido Berahino is again the centre of attention despite having not played for the club since September 10.
Berahino, who was adjudged to be overweight by West Brom boss Tony Pulis, has lost his place as the club’s leading striker to Salomon Rondon, who has formed an impressive partnership with preseason signing and new ‘No 10’ Nacer Chadli.
“I can’t sing his praises enough, he’s a top player,” said West Brom winger Matt Phillips. “If you provide him with service, he’s going to score. I didn’t realise how good he was until I came here.”