Jordan Henderson is likely to become the latest England player to pull out of Gareth Southgate’s squad for their November friendly double-header.
EDIT: Henderson has now pulled out of the England squad, along with Fabian Delph and Raheem Sterling.
The midfielder was one of just two Liverpool players called up by Southgate for clashes with Germany (November 10) and Brazil (November 14), both to be played at Wembley.
But while Joe Gomez will be hoping to make his Three Lions debut after a swift rise this season, Henderson could miss out entirely.
According to the Mirror, Henderson is considered a doubt for both games and could join Tottenham trio Harry Winks, Dele Alli and Harry Kane in being withdrawn from the squad.
Southgate had already agreed with Jurgen Klopp not to overload the Reds’ captain, with the German critical of his counterpart for fielding Henderson twice in the last international break.
Henderson has been plagued with injury problems throughout recent seasons but had looked to be getting back to full fitness this campaign.
However, after being forced to sit out Saturday’s 4-1 win away to West Ham, the 27-year-old looks set for another spell on the sidelines.
It remains unclear whether Henderson will recover in time for Liverpool’s next clash at home to Southampton on November 18.
If he is unable to compete against Brazil in northwest London, the chances of a comeback four days later seem slim.
His absence from the England setup could, of course, be precautionary, with little riding on these two friendlies bar further opportunities for Southgate to test his squad.
Henderson is already a key player for England, typically operating alongside Eric Dier in a two-man midfield, and has likely already sealed a place at next year’s World Cup.
But his injury problems should be a concern for Liverpool, who already have a host of first-team players struggling.
Nathaniel Clyne and Adam Lallana were both left out of Southgate’s squad as they continue to recover from back and thigh injuries respectively, though the latter is set to return shortly.
Philippe Coutinho has joined the Brazil squad to play Japan and England despite missing the last three Liverpool games with groin trouble.
Dejan Lovren missed the recent 3-0 win against Huddersfield with a thigh problem, but is part of the Croatia squad for their World Cup qualifying play-offs against Greece.
And while Sadio Mane has declared himself “100 percent” after a month-long absence with a hamstring injury, his involvement with Senegal will be closely monitored.
Klopp has given his non-internationals a lengthy break this week, with the likes of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Mohamed Salah and Daniel Sturridge not set to return to Melwood until Friday.
Fan Comments