Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has provided an update on the well-being of captain Jordan Henderson after the midfielder suffered a potential injury scare.
The Lowdown: Forced Off
Liverpool were largely comfortable in their impressive 3-0 victory against Ajax last night, however, there was a setback when the skipper was forced off due to a knee problem.
The England international was having a fairly good game, having registered an assist and eventually being awarded a SofaScore rating of 7.4, making his withdrawal a little concerning for the Anfield outfit.
The club have already been swamped by injuries this year, including in the midfield department, with periods out for Thiago Alcantara earlier this season and hamstring problems still plaguing Naby Keita.
The Latest: A Sense Of Relief
Fortunately for the Liverpool manager and fans alike, it seems the 32-year-old’s issue may be less severe than originally feared.
Speaking after the game, via the Liverpool ECHO, when asked if his captain was fine Klopp said:
“I think so, I was worried as well, I saw the situation because it was in front of me.”
“I think he got knee on knee, so [it was] painful. A bruise, probably, really painful. But as far as I know now nothing else.”
The comments will surely come as a relief to the Reds and England fans too, with a busy period of football coming up both internationally and then domestically.
The Verdict: Key Leader
The last thing Liverpool need at this moment in time would be a serious injury to their captain, adding to the seemingly endless list of first-team stars on the treatment table, so the initial assessment of no serious damage will be a welcoming one.
The team have started to put in some better performances as of late, excluding the defeat to Nottingham Forest, and Henderson has featured prominently throughout – having fought through his own hamstring issue this year.
In regards to the merit of the long-serving Liverpool man, Klopp has said previously: “He brings everything you need to lead a football team.”
This high praise coupled with the command respected by the Liverpool leader means it’s unlikely he’ll leave anytime soon, and being injury free, may be able to help steer his side back towards positive results in the second half of the season.
