Daniel Sturridge and James Milner unlikely to feature for Liverpool against Arsenal

Liverpool star duo of Daniel Sturridge and James Milner are likely to miss the clash against Arsenal. The Reds travel to the Emirates for the first match of the 2016/17 Premier League season on 14 August.

The England international striker was struggling with a hip problem, which saw him miss his side's pre-season fixture against Barcelona and Mainz. The midfielder, on the other hand, is struggling with a heel issue, which saw him being withdrawn in his side's friendly victory over the La Liga winners.

Klopp suggested the situation has improved with the former Manchester City man. However, the former Borussia Dortmund manager has admitted he is unlikely to take any chances with Sturridge and Milner when facing Arsene Wenger's side.

"On Wednesday he (Sturridge) could train. On Thursday, he felt a little bit so we will have to see," the Liverpool Echo quoted Klopp as saying.

"Of course, he had a few days where he couldn't train and that's not too good for the Arsenal game, but we have other players who are available and that's good for us. Hopefully it stays like this and we can give Daniel enough time so that when he is fit again, he can then become match fit in the next few days. There are a lot of games to play."

On Milner, the German coach, said: "With Millie we have to wait. It's better than we all expected after the (Barcelona) game when we saw him walking out of the stadium on crutches — that's not the best picture you want to see after a game.

"On Sunday he felt better, on Monday he felt better. It's a bruise in the heel, so that's really painful and I can say that when it is too painful for Millie, then it's really painful."

There were also concerns over defender Dejan Lovren and summer signing Marko Grujic's involvement against Arsenal. However, Klopp has played down any injury fears after declaring the duo fit to face the north London club.

"There is no problem — Dejan has been completely normal in training. Marko was back in training on Thursday, it was not serious as I mentioned after the game — painful but not serious," the Liverpool manager said.