‘When I saw’: Jurgen Klopp admits he was very worried about £190k-a-week Liverpool player during Ajax game

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Jurgen Klopp has admitted that he wasn’t sure if Jordan Henderson was injured or not during last night’s game against Ajax.

Henderson was taken off with 20 minutes to go having taken a knock in the second half. And speaking to the press via liverpoolfc.com after the game, Klopp admitted he was worried by the incident.

The Liverpool boss did, however, confirm that his captain should be fit to play against Leeds United on Saturday.

“I think so [Henderson will be fine]. I was worried as well when I saw the situation because it was in front of me, but I think he thought he got knee on knee, so painful. A bruise, probably. Really painful but as far as I know now, nothing else and that should be fine,” said Klopp.

Good news for Liverpool who desperately need to start finding some consistency. Having their first choice midfielders available is paramount to that.

Henderson still crucial to Liverpool

As Klopp tinkers with his new system, it’s clear that Henderson is still absolutely vital to this team.

Some will assert that this is actually part of the problem. To a minority of supporters, Liverpool’s No.14 is past his sell-by date and should no longer command a starting spot.

But you always get the feeling this is born more from the frustration of not having signed a fresh midfielder for a number of years.

Henderson isn’t perfect, and his performances in the early games of the season looked untypically lethargic. But as Liverpool have steadily improved, so has the £190k-a-week man.

Just look at his little piece of play for Mohamed Salah’s opening goal yesterday. Yes, the goalkeeper could have done better, but the take, turn and outside-of-the-boot through ball from Henderson was excellent. Rio Ferdinand called it ‘absolutely exquisite,’ and it really was.

Had Thiago Alcantara played a similar pass, it would have been lauded for days afterwards.

Henderson won’t mind that. He’d no doubt rather Salah got the acclaim for a clever little finish over Remko Pasveer. Behind closed doors though, he’d have been delighted to make a tangible contribution – his first of the season.

With Fabinho struggling for form and Thiago still a fitness doubt, Henderson is just as crucial to Liverpool as ever. They’ll need him again on Saturday against Leeds. Thankfully, it looks like he’ll be back out there.

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