After recovering from surgery on a groin injury, Jurgen Klopp has confirmed that captain Jordan Henderson will return to training next week and Liverpool fans are delighted.
It’s a sign of how far he’s come that Henderson’s involvement at Anfield is crucial to the team’s success and furthermore, that supporters are excited to see him play.
The former Sunderland star hasn’t always been a fan favourite and while it still might be too soon to call him that, most fans would say he’s a key starter.
Skipper Jordan Henderson started along side Fabinho in defence away at Southampton this month. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED BY GETTY IMAGES.
Speaking to reporters at a press conference, Klopp said: “”No, not really. He is not here in the moment, he cannot train, but he will train in the next days and weeks for sure. The problem is, I’m not a doctor, so it’s just about time.”
There is no chance that Henderson will feature against Arsenal tomorrow evening or in midweek when the Reds travel to Spain to face Real Madrid in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-final clash.
Beyond that, he will likely need at least 10 days of full-team training before he gets any minutes as Klopp is a huge advocate for easing players back in after injuries especially with one that required corrective surgery.
Immediate fixtures aside, it will be great to have Henderson back for the end of season run-in with his experience and leadership a crucial tool for Klopp to utilise as Liverpool aim to claw their way back into the top four and hopefully make it to the final of the Champions League in Istanbul.
Liverpool’s English midfielder James Milner (L) and Liverpool’s English midfielder Jordan Henderson hold the European Champion Clubs’ Cup trophy during an open-top bus parade around Liverpool. PHOTO BY OLI SCARFF/AFP VIA GETTY IMAGES
Henderson’s return to fitness will also mean there will be increased competition for starting roles, with Fabinho essentially a guaranteed starter after his absence from the engine room contributed heavily to Liverpool’s poor form this season.
It will mean Thiago Alcantara, Georginio Wijnaldum, Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and James Milner will need to duke it out for the remaining midfield slot in the next couple months.
Liverpool fans’ reaction to Henderson’s return to fitness
Jordan Henderson to resume training in the next few days? pic.twitter.com/qnZGolVIfZ
— ThiagoSZN_ (@ThiagoSZN_) April 2, 2021
Jordan Henderson to resume training in the next few days according to Klopp #LFC pic.twitter.com/yMngYUy5fH
— Anfield Central (@_AnfieldCentral) April 2, 2021
