Jurgen Klopp insists fatigue isn't a major concern for Liverpool – but admits he may need to manage captain Jordan Henderson's game time over the coming week.

The Reds faded in the second half of last weekend's dramatic 2-2 draw with Tottenham as they lost control in midfield.

Henderson, who was taken off just past the hour mark, only recently returned to action after five weeks out with a hamstring injury. The skipper could be rested for Sunday's Premier League clash at Southampton with one eye on the midweek Champions League trip to FC Porto.

“We had the problem (against Tottenham),” Klopp said.

“Emre (Can) played all the time because Hendo was injured and then Hendo came back but he was not 100%. I think in these two positions it was obvious that we had a slightly physical problem.

(Image: (Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images))

“It is only for a few minutes but in these minutes they took the game. All the things we did, we didn’t really counter-attack. We had a few but not enough. We didn’t control the game.

“You cannot defend all the time against a team like Tottenham, you have to have the ball sometimes and do more. That’s what we have to improve for sure.

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“The first half was brilliant both parts - defending and football playing wise. The big problem in the second half was that when we had the ball we didn’t really create or cool the game down. That was the problem, it wasn’t a general physical problem.”

Asked if Henderson could start both at St Mary's and in the first leg of the Champions League tie three days later, Klopp said: “I don’t think that would make too much sense but if we have to do it then we have to do it.

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“It depends on all the other players. Jordan can always dig in and his attitude is outstanding so of course he could.

“That is the only thing we have to plan around but that is because he had an injury, like we do now with Adam (Lallana). When can we bring him again?

“In a normal situation it is no problem but in this specific situation after injury it would not be perfect.”

Lallana is on the comeback trail after missing the past three matches due to a groin problem.

The England midfielder has only started two senior games during an injury-plagued campaign and his frustration boiled over when he was sent off playing for Liverpool Under-23s against Spurs this week.

However, he did get an hour's football under his belt and is hoping to be involved against his former club on Sunday. With the World Cup on the horizon, Klopp knows his internationals are all desperate to play.

"All players are influenced by World Cups. It was always like this," Klopp added.

"I don’t think it is a big thing at the moment for most of the players but with a long term injury how can you not think about it?

"For sure it is a big dream. Not only being part of, but if you are in good shape then playing a big part in the team.

"I love World Cups but with the season before, the end sometimes is more difficult than other seasons and the beginning (of the next season) is even more because of the special start in pre-season."Jurgen Klopp