Suffering an injury-hampered 2015/16 campaign, Jordan Henderson is looking to prove himself in action for Liverpool this season.
Henderson is due to link up with Jurgen Klopp‘s squad for their pre-season tour of the US, along with fellow England internationals Nathaniel Clyne, James Milner, Adam Lallana and Daniel Sturridge.
This represents a major core of Klopp’s Liverpool ranks, with the quintet all regular fixtures in the German’s starting lineup when available in 2015/16.
But while Henderson operated as captain, the midfielder missed much of the campaign through injury, with foot, heel and knee problems ensuring he made just 26 appearances.
The 26-year-old was a doubt for the England squad for this summer’s European Championship, but recovered in time to feature for the Three Lions.
After a disappointing tournament compounded his miserable season, however, Henderson took to Instagram to vow to “get back playing.”
“Looking to put my injuries from last season behind me and focus on this big season ahead,” he said.
“I’m feeling good and can’t wait to get back playing.”
Henderson’s midfield role could be under threat heading into 2016/17, with Serbian midfielder Marko Grujic poised to add competition in the middle of the park.
Klopp is also pursuing Newcastle United’s versatile Georginio Wijnaldum, and it could be that he has earmarked a deeper role for the Dutchman.
Germany international Emre Can is likely the only midfielder whose starting role is guaranteed at this stage, with the 22-year-old poised to continue his swift development under Klopp this season.
Henderson can hope to take part in five pre-season friendlies for the Reds before the Premier League season kicks off.
Travelling to the US in the early hours of Thursday morning, Liverpool will take on Chelsea (July 27), AC Milan (July 30) and AS Roma (August 1), before returning for a high-profile clash with Barcelona at Wembley Stadium (August 6).
Klopp’s side will round off their warmup schedule with a trip to his former club, Mainz, on August 7, before their opening league fixture away to Arsenal on August 13.
This provides Henderson with ample time to prove his fitness and his quality in the midfield.
The former Sunderland youth has come under considerable criticism over the past year, but remains an important part of Klopp’s Reds squad.
If he is able to pair his trademark industry with creative nous in 2016/17, he can stabilise his role in the Liverpool lineup.
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