It’s tense times at Anfield at the moment as Liverpool wait to find out the full extent of the injuries picked up by Daniel Sturridge and Jordan Henderson while on duty with England.
Sturridge, who left training prior to the 2-0 win over Switzerland on Monday night with a thigh problem, has already returned to Merseyside for scans and to begin treatment. Although initial reports of four months on the sidelines were quickly talked down, a more conservative estimate of three weeks is now doing the rounds despite the club being unwilling to rule him out of this weekend’s clash with Aston Villa quite yet. Regardless, Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers is likely to be extremely protective of his first choice striker and won’t risk him if necessary.
Compatriot Jordan Henderson was also injured while training with the Three Lion’s prior to their Euro 2016 qualifying win, but following treatment he was able to complete the full 90-minutes in the win over the Swiss with boss Roy Hodgson pushing the midfielder to the limit. The Reds remain hopeful that the 24-year old will come through with no adverse effects and be ready for the Villa match come Saturday.
Should either player fall short of being fit for a starting place — the former looking more likely than the latter — Liverpool, thankfully, have a contingency plan with their numerous acquisitions over the summer ready to step in. Emre Can could very well fill in for Henderson if the need should arise. Mario Balotelli has been tipped to feature in his first match at Anfield since moving from AC Milan in the closing stages of the transfer window and Adam Lallana could also be on hand to provide some fire-power after overcoming a knee injury he picked up during pre-season.
It’s not exactly ideal to be hampered by injuries this early in the year, but at least it’s not catastrophic.
