Jurgen Klopp told two Liverpool stars are "surplus to requirements" next year

Jordan Henderson and James Milner will likely be deemed as 'surplus to requirements' at Liverpool this summer, according to ex-West Ham star Frank McAvennie.

Reds boss Jurgen Klopp has encountered major difficulties in his midfield department this season, with Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain both missing substantial time periods due to injury.

Keita's first team football this term has been limited to a six-minute appearance from the bench in the 3-1 win over Man City in the Community Shield in July.

Oxlade-Chamberlain, meanwhile, suffered a serious hamstring injury in pre-season, but returned to the squad in mid-October.

The Reds tried to solve one dilemma in the summer transfer window, bringing in Juventus midfielder Arthur Melo on loan on deadline day.

But the Brazil international has made just one senior appearance for Liverpool, playing 14 minutes in the 4-1 defeat to Napoli in the Champions League in September.

He suffered a muscle injury in training in early October, which required surgery. He has been ruled out of action ever since.

McAvennie, however, believes Liverpool should potentially look to move on two other midfielders.

McAvennie on Henderson, Milner

Speaking to Football Insider, McAvennie, who made over 150 appearances in the First Division and received five caps for Scotland, gave advice to Klopp on what his midfield department should look like next season.

He said: "[Henderson and Milner] are two wonderful players, and have been two wonderful servants for Liverpool.

"I think they will be surplus to requirements next year. If they can accept coming on for the last 15 minutes when they have got to control the game, then that is what they have got to do.

"They had to play them all the time because of injuries. It is a young man's game now, and Milner is great to come on for the last 20 minutes or so.

"It is the same with [Harvey] Elliott, he has not been ready to play 90 minutes, and that has cost Liverpool. They have got to hit the ground running when they get back, because if they do not, they are going to get swept away."

Henderson and Milner have been regular features in Liverpool's starting XI this term, with Milner even filling in at right-back on numerous occasions.

At 36, the former Man City midfielder is in his eighth season at Anfield, and has been an ever-reliable figure for Klopp - although he may have featured less this season if it hadn't been for injuries elsewhere.

His current deal expires at the end of the season, but given his playing time this term, it would be no surprise to see it extended.

Henderson, meanwhile, is currently at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar with England, and is reportedly set to start in Tuesday's clash against Wales.

But with Liverpool linked with the likes of Jude Bellingham as potential signings, one - or both - of the aforementioned players could move on.