Jurgen Klopp Backs “Absolute Leader” Jordan Henderson Ahead of Return to Action

With Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson looking likely to return to action following the international break, Reds boss Jurgen Klopp has moved to quell rumours that he’ll look to pass the armband on to someone else by throwing his substantial backing behind the 25-year old.

“There was no second of doubt about this decision,” said the German manager prior to the meeting with Crystal Palace. “I didn’t ask because it was logical for me, we never had to think about whether Henderson was the right captain. I’ve met him, he’s an absolute leader and he’s in a good way at this moment, and we all hope he’s back in a few weeks,” he said matter of factly. “I do not know what will happen in the next two weeks, it’s very important and we’re waiting for this. Hendo stays captain.”

Handed the armband following long serving skipper Steven Gerrard’s decision to move to Major League Soccer at the end of his contract, Henderson’s short reign as Reds captain has been plagued by problems. If a poor start to the season under former boss Brendan Rodgers wasn’t bad enough, an ongoing heel problem forced him to see a specialist after limping off early in the narrow 1-0 win over newly promoted AFC Bournemouth back in August. With that problem more or less resolved, the 26-year old broke a bone in his foot during training, resulting in an extended period on the sidelines.

With Liverpool going through a bit of an injury crisis, having a player with Henderson’s quality back his disposal will be a boon for the Reds boss. With Danny Ings and Joe Gomez ruled out for the season, Daniel Sturridge still feeling the effects of a knee injury picked in the days following the German taking charge, James Milner struggling with a hamstring problem and Mamadou Sakho facing a spell on the sidelines after limping off injured in the loss against Crystal Palace yesterday, we could use some good news right about now.