Jordan Henderson has been called up to the England squad for his upcoming clashes with Italy and Germany following an early return from a hamstring injury.
Henderson had been sidelined since a 2–1 win over Newcastle on 31 August, and was expected to return to Liverpool after the current international break.
The time off was widely seen as a boost for the midfielder, as were Ibrahima Konate, Calvin Ramsay and Caoimhin Kelleher, before he returned to the fold against Brighton on 1 October.
But Tuesday morning brought the news that, after an earlier-than-expected recovery, Henderson was drafted into the England squad.
This comes after a setback for Kalvin Phillips, who was forced to withdraw from the final camp ahead of the World Cup, and serves as a boost to Henderson’s hopes for the tournament.
According to the Times’ Paul Joyce, the 32-year-old “remained in touch” with Gareth Southgate despite missing the initial team, and “went through several sessions over the weekend without reacting”.
Meanwhile, Jurgen Klopp describes himself as “happy” with the situation as he “hopes to improve his fitness before the return of the Premier League”.
The decision to call Henderson up to the England squad despite missing the last three games with Liverpool could be seen one of two ways.
It could be seen as premature, and a risk of further time away at club level if he suffers a recurrence in the two UEFA Nations League ties, which comes in an already injury-plagued season for the Reds.
Or it could be seen as a useful opportunity to build match fitness ahead of a month in which Liverpool will play nine times, starting with visiting Brighton.
Klopp went into the international break with Curtis Jones, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita along with Henderson, Konate, Kelleher and Ramsay, but the latter quartet should be available when play resumes.
Provided no more problems arise in the next two weeks, Henderson or not, Liverpool could be in a stronger position when Roberto De Zerbi’s side arrive at Anfield next Saturday.
