Jurgen Klopp says both Jordan Henderson and Thiago could sit out Liverpool’s Premier League opener against Norwich City. The duo needs more time.
Liverpool face Norwich City tomorrow – but it’ll likely be without Jordan Henderson and Thiago. That’s according to Jurgen Klopp who explained the situation on Friday.
“Of course, Hendo and Thiago started late to train so their pre-season, if you want, started last week and they need it because we don’t prepare for one game, we prepare for a full season with a lot of games in the most intense league in the world,” he said, per Liverpoolfc.com.
Henderson & Thiago could miss Norwich opener
This one wouldn’t be a big shock. England’s run to the Euro 2020 final meant Henderson didn’t link back up with Liverpool until the weekend.
Given his problems last year, the Reds will almost certainly want to guarantee his fitness before starting him in games. That’s just the sensible thing to do.
Thiago is a more complicated case. He explained last week that’s he’s been battling an injury for the last year and it got worse towards the end of last season.
It means he hasn’t had much of a pre-season – certainly not like his teammates.
Liverpool can’t really afford to take any chances with that. Making sure Thiago recovers properly before he plays regularly is, again, sensible.
Who could step in?
Naby Keita seems like a certainty and we imagine James Milner is, too. Adding the vice-captain’s leadership would go some way to making up for the loss of Henderson and Thiago’s experience.
We’d suggest Curtis Jones but he’s also injured. Or at least, going through a concussion protocol (he’ll be back on Sunday).
The other two options would be Alex Oxlade-Chamerbalin and Harvey Elliott. The youngster, in particular, looked good in midfield in friendlies.
But if Liverpool want to get off to a good start, Keita and Milner seems like the low-risk way to go.
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