Nat Phillips is back from his recent hamstring niggle and has been confirmed fit for Saturday evening’s Anfield clash against Southampton by Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.
The 23-year-old Phillips has been a solid presence at the back for the injury-ravaged Reds and his return to the field comes as a major injury boost for Klopp ahead of the weekend fixture.
Klopp confirms Phillips fitness boost as Liverpool eye a win
As the Reds search for a much-needed win in top-flight action, Jurgen Klopp in his pre-match press conference has deemed Nat Phillips to be in contention to grab his now usual starting role for the game against the Saints.
“Yes, yes, the week helped him for sure. Absolutely. Yes, he was fit yesterday,” said Klopp when asked about Phillips’ fitness levels.
Phillips’ partnership with the on-loan Ozan Kabak has helped stabilise what had become a makeshift rotation at the back for an injury-hit Liverpool with Klopp having forced to draft the likes of Fabinho and Jordan Henderson in the centre-back role.
Jordan Henderson injury update provided by the Reds gaffer
The Liverpool skipper remains unavailable for selection heading into the weekend fixture list, confirmed Klopp, despite Henderson partaking in running drills.
Klopp said the 30-year-old England international continues to be absent from team training with the midfielder not having featured for the Merseysiders since February with a groin issue.
“The injury situation, nothing really new. We have a few bumps and bruises, so late decisions – we have to make late decisions in a few positions until tomorrow.
“Hendo, while I am sitting here Hendo is running outside, that’s what I can say. Nothing else. He was not in team training yet and that’s it pretty much.”
