Mignolet: Liverpool Have Enough Players to Replace Henderson and Sturridge

Liverpool keeper Simon Mignolet believes Brendan Rodgers has enough players in his squad capable of replacing Jordan Henderson and Daniel Sturridge for their next Premier League fixture against Norwich City on Sunday.

Sturridge was withdrawn in the 66<sup>th minute with a tight hamstring during the Reds' 3-2 victory against Manchester City at Anfield. However, Liverpool will surely be without Henderson for the next three fixtures. The 23-year-old midfielder was shown a straight red card for a dangerous tackle on Samir Nasri late in the game.

Mignolet insists that the likes of Joe Allen, Lucas Leiva and Victor Moses can take their place in the starting XI against Norwich, highlighting their positive contributions in recent matches.

"The manager has options. I am sure we have a good enough squad to deal with these kind of situations," Mignolet told the Liverpool Echo.

"Look at how Joe performed when he came off the bench against Manchester City. It was tough to be a substitute coming on at that stage but he really helped the team out. It was a difficult moment in the game at 2-2.

"He did a good job just as Lucas did away to West Ham [United] the week before. Victor also helped us when he came on against City - not only offensively but also in defence," the 26-year-old added.

Earlier this week, Liverpool revealed that scans conducted on Sturridge's hamstring have detected a small strain.

The club also confirmed that the striker will undergo a treatment programme in order to prove his fitness for the Norwich game.

However, Rodgers might consider resting the England international this weekend in order to ensure that the 24-year-old is fully fit for their next league fixture at home against Chelsea on 27 April.

Should Sturridge fail to recover, Moses could be handed his first league start since the 3-1 defeat against Hull City in December last year.

The Northern Irishman could also opt to field Allen or Lucas alongside Steven Gerrard and Philippe Coutinho in midfield against the Canaries.

Mignolet is aware that Neil Adams' side could possibly suffer relegation from top-flight and the Belgian international reckons their desperation to grind out results could make matters difficult for Liverpool.

"Norwich will be similar to the game away at West Ham. Norwich will be fighting for their lives to stay in the Premier League and we have to ensure we are up for it," Mignolet concluded.