Jordan Henderson‘s heel injury may be worse than initially feared, with the Liverpool captain heading to America for specialist treatment.
Jordan Henderson has travelled to America to receive treatment for the heel injury that has plagued his progress for Liverpool this season.
The 25-year-old was withdrawn midway through the Reds’ 1-0 win over AFC Bournemouth in August, and has yet to return to first-team action.
Now, according to the Neil Jones of the Liverpool Echo, the newly appointed captain faces a longer period on the sidelines.
“The Reds midfielder travelled to New York on Monday with club doctor Andy Massey, and will visit New Jersey based orthopaedic specialist Dr James Cozzarelli, as he seeks a solution to the issue which has kept him out of his side’s last three matches,” Jones writes.
“Henderson will have treatment on the injury, which is causing him discomfort in both his heel and the sole of his foot, in a bid to accelerate his return to action.
“Crucially, though, the 25-year-old is not due to undergo surgery.”
That Henderson will not require surgery for his injury is encouraging, but that Liverpool felt it necessary to send him to a specialist suggests this is a major concern.
According to Jones, Reds medical staff have “so far been unable to put a timeline on his return.”
Henderson has missed three games for Liverpool this season, with the Reds picking up just one point in his absence.
The lack of mobility in Brendan Rodgers’ three-man midfield with the introduction of Henderson’s replacement, Lucas Leiva, has caused problems in Liverpool’s buildup play.
Named captain this summer following the departure of Steven Gerrard, Henderson is a growingly vital component of Rodgers’ starting lineup.
Without the England international’s industry and creativity, the Reds have looked devoid of ideas in midfield.
Emre Can was the only midfielder willing to break through the lines in Saturday’s 3-1 loss to Manchester United, with a lack of support for the rampaging German a key issue as Liverpool failed to trouble their top-four rivals.
With Henderson now facing a lengthy spell on the treatment table, Rodgers has another major issue to contend with – as the pressure mounts on the under-fire manager.
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