Jurgen Klopp has confirmed that Jordan Henderson has returned to Liverpool training ahead of tomorrow’s match with Wolves.
The Reds captain missed Monday’s loss against Brentford with concussion. But having gone through the correct protocols, Klopp told his pre-match press conference that Henderson is in contention to play.
“Hendo is back. He did exactly what he was allowed to do yesterday, big parts of team training without heading. From today on he’s completely allowed to do everything,” said the Liverpool manager.
Unfortunately, it appears that Henderson is the only member of Liverpool’s injured contingent to return. Klopp gave no mention of the likes of James Milner and Roberto Firmino, which suggests they will not be ready for Saturday.
We’ve missed you, skip
Liverpool really could have done with Henderson on the pitch against Brentford. With Van Dijk hooked at half-time, Andy Robertson assumed captain responsibilites.
That isn’t to suggest that Robbo did a bad job. On the contrary, the Scotland captain encouraged and cajoled his teammates, delivering one or two rockets in the process.
But in times of sheer demoralisation, as Monday was, Henderson is always there to help.
At times, the 32-year-old contributes to Liverpool’s poor performances on the pitch. Every player does, and just having the captain there doesn’t mean things automatically improve.
But Hendo is a standard-setter. It’s hard to imagine that he would have stood for the way Liverpool conceded the second goal on the night, for instance.
Having the £20m man back should help things tomorrow. Harvey Elliott looks certain to finally be pulled out of the side, with Fabinho and Thiago Alcantara likely to join him.
As a result, we may see a slightly younger, or at least unfamiliar midfield to usual. Stick Henderson in there and it immediately becomes more settled.
It sounds like that’ll be an option for Klopp tomorrow anyway, and that’s a relief.