James Milner hopes his captain Jordan Henderson returns to fitness in time to be in contention for the Europa League Final in two weeks’ time, the Echo reports.
If Henderson isn’t ready, Milner, the vice-captain, will lead the team out in Basel against Sevilla – but that’s not worrying the former Manchester City man.
“It’s just great to be through,” Milner said after the game.
“Hopefully Hendo will have a chance of being fit for the final. If he is then he will captain the team in the final. We’d love him to be back for it.
“If he’s not it’s always a great honour for me to captain this football club.”
After Milner and Emre Can’s performance in central midfield against Villarreal last night, there’s no guarantee that a fit Henderson would even get in the team.
The captain’s struggled for consistency this term because of injuries, but Can’s showing makes him an automatic starter, and Milner’s got better and better all season.
If Jurgen Klopp wants to keep the 4-2-3-1 that worked so well last night, the two spots in the midfield pivot are surely Milner and Can’s to lose, although if the manager prefers the 4-3-3 against Sevilla, Henderson will come back into contention.
Now we’ve three Premier League games to navigate before the final. Expect many names rested against Watford and West Brom, but Klopp will surely play his best team against Chelsea in between in order to keep them match ready.