Klopp cool over Sturridge knock

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is confident that striker Daniel Sturridge did not suffer a serious injury in the pre-season friendly against Bayern Munich.

The 27-year-old England international had to be replaced late on in the 3-0 victory for the Reds, having come on midway through the second half and found the net 15 minutes later.

“I think it’s just a bit of fatigue to be honest, I’ll be okay”. Daniel Sturridge

However, Klopp is upbeat about the severity of the thigh problem which saw Sturridge taken off, telling reporters: “He hurt his thigh. He has really prepared well, really well, so I hope this is just a small injury and that he can play again soon.

“It’s a shame and I hope it’s nothing serious.”

Meanwhile, Sturridge himself, who has suffered with a catalogue of injuries in recent times, adding in the Echo: “It’s just a little bit of tension kicking off.

“I’ve done a lot of running and a lot of work. I think it’s just a bit of fatigue to be honest, I’ll be okay.

“I’m feeling great. I’m feeling the best I’ve felt for a little while and I’m looking forward to the season and hopefully we can have some success.”

The Reds open their Premier League campaign away at Watford on Saturday August 12th, with Klopp hoping to match or even better the fourth placed finish of last season.

Last term the Merseysiders won both league meetings with the Hornets, with an Emre Can wonder goal securing a 1-0 victory at Vicarage Road.

With Bet365 Liverpool are 8/15 to win at Watford, with the draw priced at 3/1 and a Hornets victory 5/1.

Morata needs time to get fit

Antonio Conte says new signing Alvaro Morata needs time to get fit before he’ll be able to play his part at Chelsea.

The Spanish international appears set to miss out on Sunday’s Community Shield clash with Arsenal at Wembley after Conte admitted he is not at the required level of fitness.

According to Conte, the £65m summer signing from Real Madrid ‘needs to improve his fitness quickly’ based on his first few days at the club.

“He has to improve his condition a lot to adapt quickly into our team”. Antonio Conte

Morata, 10/1 to be leading goalscorer in the Premier League this season, is already trying hard say his new boss, but there is plenty hard work ahead for the 24-year-old forward.

“Morata is just starting to train with us,” said the Blues boss.

“He has to improve his condition a lot to adapt quickly into our team.

“He is working well but it has been only five days. Today, he tried to do his best but for sure he has to improve.”

With Bet365 Chelsea are 11/10 to beat Arsenal in the Community Shield. The Gunners are 23/10 while the draw is 5/2.

Arsenal were boosted on Tuesday when Alexis Sanchez returned to training in London. Despite being heavily linked with a move away from the club, Arsene Wenger says he expects Sanchez to see out the remaining year of his contract.

Abraham aims for Swans impact

New Swansea striker Tammy Abraham says he is focused on making an impact at the Liberty Stadium this coming season.

The 19-year-old has signed for the Swans on a season-long loan from Chelsea and arrives after a very successful similar loan, at Bristol City last season where he scored 26 goals.

“It’s good to score goals in any game because it lifts your confidence going into the season”. Tammy Abraham

So, having made a great impact in the Championship at Ashton Gate, Abraham hopes to make a similar impression during his season with Paul Clement’s side in the Premier League. The Swans are 2/1 to be relegated and are 1/10 to be in the bottom half at the end of the season.

Aside from two substitute appearances for Chelsea this will be his first time in the top flight, but Abraham says he is ready to make his mark.

He told reporters: “I am going to try to show the gaffer why he brought me here and prove it was a good decision.

“I will do my best and try as hard as I can to do well. I am full of confidence and I can’t wait for the season to begin.”

As well as his time with Bristol City where he was voted Player of the Year, Abraham has also proved a success on the international stage, having scored for England in the semi-final of the Euro Under-21 Championship in June.

He has also been on the mark for Swansea with two goals in his three pre-season games so far.

He will hope to add to that promising start when Swansea play their final friendly, at home to Sampdoria on Saturday.

“It’s good to score goals in any game because it lifts your confidence going into the season,” Abraham added. “I am looking forward to the season starting. Hopefully I can continue the little scoring run I have been on pre-season.”

Swansea begin the new Premier League season away to Southampton next Saturday. With Bet365 they are 17/4 for an away win, the Saints are 4/6 with the draw priced at 13/5.