Liverpool vs. Newcastle United: Jurgen Klopp's Key Quotes from Pre-Match Presser

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is confident that striker Daniel Sturridge has the ability to step up in the absence of forward partners Christian Benteke, Divock Origi and Danny Ings. 

Belgian Origi became Liverpool's latest strike casualty during their midweek thrashing of Everton, and it has now been confirmed that he is out for the rest of the season, per James Pearce in the Liverpool Echo.

Speaking ahead of Liverpool's home Premier League clash with Newcastle United on Saturday, Klopp said Sturridge does not need assistance to produce his best, per Joe Mewis in the Mirror:

"Daniel is able to create his own moments. He doesn’t always need an assist. We need to think about who will start."

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Liverpool's 4-0 drubbing of the Toffees at Anfield on Wednesday was their fourth win on the bounce in all competitions, but Newcastle are likely to prove tough opponents as they are scrapping against relegation.

The clash on Merseyside will signal the return of Liverpool's 2005 Champions League-winning manager Rafael Benitez to Anfield as Magpies boss, and Klopp said he will have no problem with the Spaniard being well received, per Pearce:

Benitez has helped engineer a recent upturn in form from his players, and they go into the clash on the back of a 1-1 draw with Manchester City and a 3-0 win against Swansea City.

Sturridge should be the key man for Liverpool in breaking down a Newcastle defence that has conceded 62 goals—the second most in the division—this season.

Though the Englishman has had fitness concerns of his own this term, his goal return has still been excellent as he has netted seven times in 11 top-flight appearances, per WhoScored.com.

Coming up after the Newcastle clash is the first leg of Liverpool's UEFA Europa League semi-final against Villarreal on Thursday.

That is likely to have some effect on Klopp's team selection for Saturday, although the German manager insisted he is not thinking about it just yet, per Pearce:

As relayed by the Times' Tony Barrett, Klopp also hinted at a potential extension to centre-back Kolo Toure's stay at the club, with his current contract set to expire at the end of the season:

The Ivorian could be in line for a starting berth against Newcastle as he has was an unused substitute against Everton in the Merseyside derby.

Klopp will be eager for his side to continue their excellent run by beating Newcastle and should be confident of picking up all three points even if he does decide to make some changes ahead of the Villarreal clash.

Although Newcastle have looked good of late, Liverpool have been in fantastic form also, and the home advantage should give them a significant boost.