Injured Liverpool ace could still play again this season

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has refused to rule captain Jordan Henderson out for the remainder of the season.

Henderson has not featured for Liverpool since their 2-0 win over Tottenham at the start of February after suffering another foot problem.

Liverpool only have to play away at West Ham before hosting relegated Middlesbrough on the final day of the season but Klopp insists there is still a chance Henderson could return to help their quest for a top four finish.

“It is too early to say [the midfielder’s season is over,” The Guardian quote Klopp as saying. Next season is the latest moment, of course, but anything can happen.

“We stay positive because he is strong. The moment someone gives him the green light he will be back in a second because of his attitude and character. I am not thinking about the start of pre-season but that would be the latest moment he is back.

“You wish a ligament had snapped. Then at least you know if you can fix it or if you have to wait for six, eight weeks or whatever. This is the kind of issue where you have to wait. That is how the body is sometimes.

“Jordan can manage really well. It was the medical department that said he has to rest. We still have to wait, that is all.”

Manchester United’s defeat to Arsenal on Sunday means that Liverpool, who are currently one point above Manchester City in third, still have to win their two remaining games to give themselves the best possible chance of securing a place in next season’s Champions League.

Assuming all four of the aforementioned teams win their remaining matches, City would finish on 78 points; Liverpool and Arsenal would be tied on 76, while United would be a point further back.

Henderson’s return would provide Liverpool, who have underwhelmed in 2017, with a real boost. Despite missing the last three months of the season, only two players have attempted more passes in the Premier League than Henderson (2057).

Not only that, but Liverpool’s win rate with Henderson in the starting XI in the league is also better (58.3%) compared to when he has not been available to start (50%).

For more stats on Jordan Henderson, click here to visit his WhoScored player page