Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp confirmed Daniel Sturridge and James Milner were substituted against Sunderland after the star duo picked up knocks. The Reds were forced to settle for a 2-2 draw in their first clash of this calendar year at the Stadium of Light.
Milner was withdrawn at the half-time and replaced by left-back Alberto Moreno.
Luacas Leiva came in place of the England international striker after he was forced to be withdrawn in the 80th minute.
The German manager provided a positive injury update on Sturridge, despite the former Chelsea man was helped to walk towards the tunnel. He also explained his decision behind taking out Milner from the pitch against the Black Cats.
"[Sturridge] got a knock on his right ankle. I don't think it's too bad," Klopp explained, as quoted by Liverpool's official website.
" [Milner] felt like he got a knock on the calf, but he didn't know exactly if he got a knock. So then we needed to be really careful, so that's why we made a change."
Jordan Henderson missed the trip to the Stadium of Light following his heel injury which he picked up in the Reds' 1-0 win over Manchester City on New Year's Eve. After the victory over Pep Guardiola's side at Anfield, Klopp confirmed injury to Liverpool captain.
The Merseyside club host League Two outfit Plymouth Argyle in the third round FA Cup clash. Henderson missed the clash against Sunderland and the former Borussia Dortmund admitted the midfielder will be available for selection for the FA Cup tie.
"I don't know exactly. Hopefully it's not too serious, but the FA Cup will be difficult," Liverpool manager added.
In his pre-match interview, Klopp confirmed Henderson will be sidelined for 10 days after confirming the former Sunderland man is in a lot of pain.
"Hopefully 10 days or so, he is in a lot of pain now. But it is ok, we have Emre who can play that position, Lucas, Kevin Stewart," Klopp told beIN Sports, as reported by Squawka.
Philippe Coutinho and Joel Matip have missed Liverpool's fixtures during the festive period and have still not returned to action. Sturridge, Milner and Henderson join the former duo at Anfield's treatment table.
In addition to this, the Reds will also miss the services star forward Sadio Mane for rest of the fixtures in January. The Senegalese international will join his national side for the upcoming African Cup of Nations.
