Henderson fine, but Balotelli could miss out…
Brendan Rodgers is confident that Jordan Henderson will be able to face Crystal Palace on Sunday lunchtime, but isn’t sure whether Mario Balotelli will be available, reports the official website.
Both picked up hamstring problems while on international break with England and Italy respectively, but luckily – neither injury is serious.
“Jordan missed the game against Scotland, but I think it was just as a precaution, really. He had a slight tightness,” Rodgers told Friday’s pre-weekend press conference at Melwood.
“He was on the bench, but he wasn’t risked. England had other good players to come in.”
“He should, hopefully, be fine for the weekend.”
Henderson is likely to start at Selhurst Park then, almost definitely alongside Steven Gerrard, and potentially next to Emre Can in a midfield three.
Daniel Sturridge is definitely out with the recurrence of his thigh problem, but Rodgers is coy on whether Balotelli will be able to continue to deputise.
“He [Balotelli] had an issue with the Italian squad, who he returned back from. We’ll assess that over the next couple of days.”
If the 24-year-old isn’t fit enough to start, either Rickie Lambert or Fabio Borini will lead the line in his absence. Neither have scored a Premier League goal this term, and both will be desperate to take their chance with both hands if Rodgers gives it to them.