Preview of Liverpool’s premier league trip to West Ham United

Roberto Firmino and Lucas Leiva are doubts for Liverpool’s premier league clash against West Ham United on Sunday.

Reds’ boss Jurgen Klopp revealed in a press conference today that the Brazilian duo could both return to training before the fixture, but that they are unlikely feature at the London Stadium.

Lucas, who is Liverpool’s longest serving player, could train today after being hindered by a muscle problem. Firmino is likely to make a return tomorrow.

The 49-year-old German told the press: “Firmino felt a muscle so we have left him out of training. Lucas felt two different muscles.

“These players want to play. Lucas could be able to train today. For Roberto, it could be Saturday. We have to wait and give him as much time as possible.”

Klopp also revealed that he is optimistic that Daniel Sturridge and Adam Lallana could both play a prominent role after their respective injury troubles.

Reds’ fans will be hopeful that their side can pick up all three points in the capital to maintain distance between themselves and their top 4 rivals, Manchester United and Arsenal.

Meanwhile for the Hammers, former Liverpool striker Andy Carroll has been ruled out. Midfielders Cheikhou Kouyate and Mark Noble, the captain, are both also sidelined.

West Ham are currently 12th in the Premier League table; both safe from relegation and unable to qualify for European football next season with two games remaining.

 

 

Steven Gerrard to manage Liverpool U18s next season

Steven Gerrard is set to take charge of Liverpool’s U18 team from next season.

The Reds legend has been working at the club’s Academy since January having taken a role across numerous age groups, but will take over the U18s in the summer

The 36-year-old, who has made no secret of his desire to enter full-time management, rejoined Liverpool in January to take up an academy coaching role at Kirkby.

Liverpool’s longest-serving captain, who won 114 caps for England, called time on his playing career four months ago when he left MLS side LA Galaxy after 18 months with the club.

Following his retirement, the former England captain turned down the chance to become MK Dons manager last November following talks with chairman Pete Winkelman, saying the challenge to replace Karl Robinson at the League One side came “a bit too soon”.

But now Gerrard, who made over 700 appearances for The Reds, is set to take the first step in his coaching career by taking charge of the Liverpool youngsters.

Gerrard’s impending appointment will trigger a reshuffle at the academy’s Kirkby base, with current Under-18 coach Neil Critchley potentially moving up to take charge of the Under-23s.