MUNICH, GERMANY - Wednesday, March 13, 2019: Liverpool's manager J¸rgen Klopp embraces captain Jordan Henderson as he is substituted with an injury during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 2nd Leg match between FC Bayern M¸nchen and Liverpool FC at the Allianz Arena. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Jurgen Klopp gives latest on Jordan Henderson’s return – and confirms he will join England squad

Jurgen Klopp has confirmed Jordan Henderson will still join up with the England squad despite an ankle injury keeping him out of Liverpool’s 2-1 win at Fulham.

Henderson was not present as the Reds fought back from a second-half scare to secure the three points at Craven Cottage and return to the top of the Premier League.

Having limped off after just 13 minutes of the 3-1 victory over Bayern Munich in midweek, the captain instead remained on Merseyside, with Fabinho taking his place in the starting lineup.

Called up by Gareth Southgate for the upcoming Euro qualifiers against the Czech Republic and Montenegro, it was speculated that Henderson could be forced to withdraw and be replaced by James Ward-Prowse.

But speaking after Liverpool’s latest win, Klopp provided a positive update on the 28-year-old’s fitness, saying he would be back fit in “three or four days.”

“It’s Hendo, and Hendo will go to the national team,” he told reporters.

“I think it will be two or three days still at Melwood, to make the rehab, and it looks positive.

“It looks positive, and I think he’s in contact with Gareth about when he can train in that moment, then he goes to the national team.

“If he plays, probably Gareth will decide then.

“But how I said after the [Bayern] game, it was really positive. Still not able to play today, but it was not that serious. Now in three or four days he should be fine.”

Jordan Henderson of England during the FIFA World Cup 2018 Group G match at the Volgograd Arena, Volgograd. Picture date 18th June 2018. Picture credit should read: David Klein/Sportimage via PA Images

It is unlikely Klopp is entirely content with Henderson heading for duty with the Three Lions, with the preference no doubt being to remain on Merseyside and prepare for the visit of Tottenham on March 31.

But the positive is that the midfielder will be back fit soon, and able to boost Liverpool’s options in the middle of the park.

Klopp is also expecting Joe Gomez and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to return after the international break, though there will be considerably more caution over their game time than Henderson.

Naby Keita also missed Sunday’s win with a minor injury, but having been omitted from the Guinea squad to play the Central African Republic he can concentrate on his recovery.