Jurgen Klopp has no doubts that Jordan Henderson will be ready for England’s European Championship campaign, but is less confident over the Liverpool captain’s availability for the Europa League final.
The 25-year-old damaged his lateral collateral ligament in the 1-1 draw with Borussia Dortmund at the Westfalenstadion in April, and it was feared he wouldn’t be fit enough to represent his country in France.
But the midfielder has stepped up his recovery, doing ball work and running again, with Klopp believing he will be in top condition for England’s opening group game against Russia on June 11.
Roy Hodgson will select his Three Lions squad for the tournament on Thursday, and Henderson will be hoping to make the cut.
The Reds skipper is also pushing to be included in Liverpool’s squad against Sevilla as the club contest a first European final in nine years at St-Jakob Park. However, with the showpiece taking place next Wednesday night, it may come too soon for Henderson.
“With the injury he had, we had to rest him for a long time so we could not really do a lot because we tried everything to avoid the surgery," explained Klopp.
"That’s how it was and we even met the possible surgeon and he said ‘no, it’s good – it’s not necessary’.
“He can start now because he’s felt good the whole time, but we couldn’t do anything because it was an injury.
"Yesterday, he was on the pitch and he trained, not with the team but with Jordan [Milsom] and the rehab department.
“It looked good. It was only passing and running but everything was OK and so now we have to [go] step by step by step.
“I think I said last week or two weeks ago that it is not sure [he’ll be able to play for Liverpool in the Europa League final], because it’s only nine days now until the final in Basel, so it’s not sure because it’s a short time – but 100 per cent he will be fit for the European Championships in France, so that’s good.
“For the rest, for our games, we will have to see what will happen and so I can’t say more.”
- Goal