Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson is still playing through pain as he manages a heel problem, Jurgen Klopp has revealed.
The midfielder missed three matches earlier this month with the injury, but has played in the last two games against Manchester United and Swansea City.
However, Henderson is still contending with discomfort as Liverpool closely manage the problem.
Asked if it was similar to the heel issue Henderson struggled with last season, Klopp said: “It is different – similar but still different. We know much more from last year about it.
“We don’t train a lot in this period between the games so instead of running one day, when the players who have played 90 minutes are running for recovery, he is on the bike – that is maybe the only difference with what we do with him.
“The rest is how I said – you don’t use the phrase ‘bite on his teeth’ [grit his teeth]?
“You know what it means, it is not the moment to feel nothing, he always feels a little bit, but he can cope with it.”
Liverpool face Southampton at Anfield on Wednesday, trailing 1-0 on aggregate going into the second leg of their EFL Cup semi-final tie.
Klopp has no fresh injury concerns as his side look to complete a comeback and reach Wembley.
“We played Southampton last year in this cup, twice in Premier League again,” he said.
“Against us they are a footballing side, against us they defend pretty deep. Against us, I think that is a sign of respect.
“This time, both sides were frustrated. They had counter-attack, really clear moments, where they had chances. For us, 1-0, 0-0 is no different.
“It is still all to play for. Southampton is in a good run at this moment with good results, but we want to go to the final too.”
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