Although Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp had initially said that club captain Jordan Henderson should be back in full training by the end of the month, ahead of the meeting with Crystal Palace at the weekend, the German admitted that the Reds midfielder may not play again this season.
“I don’t know, we will see,” said the Liverpool manager when asked if the skipper could spend the remainder of the season on the sidelines. “In this moment he cannot really train so we have to wait for that moment,” added Klopp, unable to give a definitive answer. That’s been the plan since the beginning. Of course we are in intense talks to different departments, the medical department of course. He is already not patient.”
Sidelined since the win over Tottenham Hotspur back in February, the Anfield outfit have missed the influence of their captain in the middle of the park, though they’ve done well to keep their top four challenge alive. Emre Can has stepped up in Henderson’s absence and alongside Georginio Wijnaldum has been the driving force behind everything that’s been good about Liverpool’s midfield, but it doesn’t look like things are going to get any easier for the Reds anytime soon. Although Adam Lallana looks set to return before the meeting with Watford FC on the first day of May, going in to the clash with Crystal Palace at the weekend, they could be left short in the middle of the park with Lucas likely to be on the treatment table beside his captain on Saturday.
“Not more than for me, but yes. It’s not cool,” stressed Klopp, admitting he’s been just as frustrated by Henderson’s absence as the player himself. “He looks really healthy but he cannot play football,” added the Reds boss, letting his agitation through in his voice. “That’s the situation.”
