Club reveals new training complex plans
Liverpool have revealed their plans for their new £50m training facility which will house the senior and youth sides in the same site. They are set to include a top class full size training pitch which will be covered allowing the players to use it all year round. A new building will be used which will integrate the first team and the academy players. It will also include a new pitch for the academy with a stand for spectators and floodlighting. The work is expected to be completed by 2019.
Henderson and Sturridge remain doubts
Jordan Henderson and Daniel Sturridge remain a doubt for the weekends game against Burnley at Anfield after failing to recover from illness and injury. They have both missed the last two Liverpool games and have been missing from training recently. Henderson hurt his foot before the Leicester game, and although not thought to be serious, it is not yet clear how long the problem will last. Sturridge on the other hand had suffered from flu while in La Manga and then hurt his hip on his return to training.
Matip confident of strong finish
Defender Joel Matip is sure that the side can make a strong finish to this season’s campaign and finish well in the league. After a good performance in the weekends win over rivals Arsenal, he believes that Liverpool can learn from the poor results earlier in the year and finish well. The Cameroonian defender said “You learn a lot in negative moments and I believe that can make us stronger as a team and as individuals.” It is a known fact that Liverpool perform well against the top teams in the league but have struggled against those more defensive sides further down the league. The next game at home to Burnley, who beat the Reds earlier this season, will be a big test for Klopp’s team. Matip went on to say “The next game is always the most important” and “we can look at the Premier League table all we like now but the only table that counts is the one that is published at the end of the season.”
Barton cleared to play
Joey Barton is available for selection by Burnley when they travel to Anfield this weekend following the postponement of his FA hearing. The Football Association was due to rule over a misconduct charge relating to placing bets over the past 10 years. Barton could face a long ban following the outcome of the hearing which was due to take place on Wednesday before it was put back. No new date has been set.
Sakho praised by Palace team mates
Liverpool loanee Mamadou Sakho has been praised for his calming influence on the Crystal Palace defence. Current team mate James Tomkins said “Mamadou has come in and he’s good to play alongside because he is so chilled and calm.” “He has been brilliant since he has been here and it’s a joy to play with him and I am enjoying my time as we learn from each other and let’s hope it can keep going.” Palace have won their last two Premier League games in which Sakho has started, keeping clean sheets. The win over West Brom at the weekend was enough to bring them out of the relegation zone. Tomkins added “It’s so big to be keeping clean sheets in the Premier League and it’s something the manager has always been big on.” Sakho’s form has been positive should he be welcomed back to the Liverpool first team upon his return.