PREM: Sunderland v Liverpool preview
Sunderland v Liverpool preview
Jurgen Klopp faces a selection headache as he waits for injury news on Jordan Henderson ahead of their trip to Sunderland in the Premier League on Monday.
The Reds captain was forced off during the New Year's Eve win with a heel problem, but it remains to be seen if he will be fit for the trip to the Stadium of Light.
The manager will now have to decide how he will fill the gap that could be left by Henderson, with Adam Lallana, Divock Origi and Lucas Levia all potential options.
However, Klopp is refusing to let the busy festive period in English football be an excuse for a lacklustre performance as they look to maintain pressure on Chelsea at the top of the able.
"I've said enough about the fixtures and long ago we accepted it. No excuses for no-one - that's how everyone wants it. We have to deliver - and we will deliver," he said.
Sunderland continue to occupy the final relegation place and were beaten 4-1 by Burnley on Saturday, although a victory against Liverpool could briefly take them out of the drop zone if other results go their way.
However, the Black Cats are winless in their last four home Premier League fixtures against Liverpool, losing the last three with David Moyes winning just one of his last 16 league games as a manager against the Reds (D5 L10), winning 2-0 with Everton back in October 2010.
Aside from Henderson, Klopp has confirmed that Joel Matip and Philippe Coutinho will also be sidelined for the trip to the Stadium of Light with Danny Ings remaining a long-term absentee.
Sunderland's injury problems are also mounting up ahead of Monday's game after Lamine Kone and Victor Anichebe were forced off against Burnley.
Kone collided with an advertising hoarding and was unable to continue while Anichebe appeared to pull his hamstring in the loss at Turf Moor, a game in which Jason Denayer (hamstring) was not fit enough to feature.
Jordan Pickford (knee), Lee Cattermole (hip), Lynden Gooch (ankle), Paddy McNair and Duncan Watmore (both knee) are all long-term injuries.