Jordan Henderson returned from injury in a frantic 3-3 draw between England and Germany on Monday, increasing Liverpool’s midfield options.
Having recovered earlier than expected from a hamstring problem last week, Henderson joined his England team-mates for their final games before the World Cup.
Although his absence in the 1-0 loss to Italy was planned in advance, the Liverpool captain was back in the squad for the visit from Germany on Monday night.
A reunion of old rivals, it served as a difficult backdrop for Gareth Southgate amid scrutiny over his role as England had not scored in open play in five games.
Things went from bad to worse in the second half when Jamal Musiala was brought down by Harry Maguire in the penalty area to allow Ilkay Gundogan to open the scoring from the penalty spot.
Kai Havertz then fired in an impressive second from outside the box, but the comeback was underway when, four minutes later, Luke Shaw’s shot just wide of the goal line.
Mason Mount then equalized before Harry Kane’s penalty put England ahead, only for Havertz to level again late as the tie ended 3–3.
Henderson, who has not featured since a 2-1 win over Newcastle on August 31, came on in injury time as a replacement for Liverpool target Jude Bellingham.
Jurgen Klopp will take it as a positive that the 32-year-old was able to train and get his first taste of action during the international break, and is now likely to be on the bench when he visits Brighton on Saturday.
With no further injury problems cropping up so far during the gap in matches, it could be a strong Liverpool side that welcome Roberto De Zerbi’s side to Anfield.
Ibrahima Konate is also expected to be involved again, while Curtis Jones is set to return from a calf injury, leaving Caoimhin Kelleher, Calvin Ramsay, Andy Robertson, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain as the only known absentees. .
Not only that, but Trent Alexander-Arnold did not appear for England during the break, missing the squad entirely to face Germany, while Mohamed Salah departed Egypt early to rest.
Thiago was among those not called up, with the Spaniard all but certain to start the weekend as he builds back into impressive form following an injury of his own.
