Liverpool duo close to returning for Manchester United showdown

Liverpool duo Adam Lallana and Georgino Wijnaldum remain doubts for the visit of Manchester United, but Jurgen Klopp has not ruled out both making unlikely returns.

The Reds sit three points clear of arch-rivals United ahead of their first meeting of the season and come into the fixture on a run of five consecutive wins in all competitions.

Wijnaldum, who joined the club from Newcastle United during the summer transfer window, has started every league game this season in a deeper midfield role – but limped off with a hamstring injury while representing Netherlands in a World Cup 2018 qualifier against France on Tuesday.

Lallana, meanwhile, was not selected for international duty with England after picking up a groin injury in Liverpool's victory over Swansea City. Both were considered major doubts for the visit of Jose Mourinho's side but Klopp is hopeful of having both players at his disposal.

Dejan Lovren was another casualty in the win at the Liberty Stadium, picking up a groin injury that forced him to withdraw from Croatia's midweek qualifiers. Speaking before his team left for the international break, Klopp was hopeful the centre-half could use that time to fully recover from his knock.

Clyne also picked up a knock in that Swansea game, but Klopp told reporters on Friday (14 October) are both in the race to feature.

"In this moment we don't know exactly who is available," Klopp told a press conference, the Liverpool Echo reports. "We all know about the issues obviously from Gini and Adam, but both not ruled out for Monday, I would say. But of course four sessions to go sounds long, but it is only four sessions. We have to see.

Klopp also played down concerns over whether Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino would feature, with the pair having played for Brazil in qualifiers against Bolivia and Venezuela.

"Roberto could do a bit more [than Coutinho] in the last [training] session. Phil played two games so needed more recovery after a long flight. It's a long trip, and it's still in their legs, but each hour helps and playing on Monday is an advantage, of course."

Klopp was also able to deliver more good news regarding Joe Gomez. The former Charlton Athletic starlet enjoyed a bright start to life on Merseyside last season until his campaign was ended by a knee ligament injury. An Achilles injury delayed his return during the summer but the 19-year-old is finally back in training with the first team, although the club are likely not to rush his return to action.