Speaking ahead of Liverpool FC’s EFL Cup fixture against Arsenal to the club’s official website, Jurgen Klopp’s right-hand man Pep Lijnders has given an update on the injury crisis currently being faced by a number of first-team players at Anfield.
Jordan Henderson will remain sidelined for the Anfield showdown, confirmed Lijnders. The Liverpool FC skipper has been injured since the 2-0 win over Chelsea and missed Monday’s league clash against Mikel Arteta’s side as well.
“Jordan, we will re-evaluate on Friday after this game to see if he can be ready for Aston Villa.
The Reds’ assistant manager added that the pair of Joel Matip and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain continues to work their way to full fitness but are certainties to be out of the matchday squad to face Arsenal on Thursday.
“Joel is the same as what I said last week, he will be ready [after] the international break and use the time to prepare the Everton game.
“Ox is progressing well. He’s in a good way and it’s really important for him that this first phase goes smooth. But, of course, that takes a much longer time.
However, the most surprising piece of information given by Lijnders in his pre-game interview was that Kostas Tsimikas will not play in the EFL Cup tie after sustaining a thigh injury in last week’s game against Lincoln City.
“We have Kostas, who after the Lincoln game had a thigh problem. We thought it would settle, it didn’t, so he will need more time. He will not be involved on Thursday and also not on Sunday.”
The Greek international had been expected to start at left-back for Jurgen Klopp’s side in the upcoming game after his inspiring performance at the full-back against Lincoln.
