A leader plays through pain and makes sure he is available as much as possible and that’s exactly what Jordan Henderson looks set to do.
The skipper is expected to return to the starting lineup for Sunday’s Premier League clash with Manchester United having only recently recovered from an injury he picked up in the New Year’s Eve win over Manchester City.
He has been the subject of praise of the highest order from Jurgen Klopp as he prepares to play in a high calibre game without being fully fit after only returned to full training on Thursday.
Klopp told the Liverpool Echo: “If Hendo is available for the weekend it is only because of his attitude.”
“I don’t think a lot of players would be available for this. There will still be pain 100%, but if anyone can cope with this it is him and maybe Clyney. For the rest it might be pretty difficult.”
“Hendo has adapted unbelievably well to that position so for us it’s very important. Maybe we relied too much on him. In build up it was always centre-half to Hendo. We have been working to make things more flexible.”
“I really love his attitude – it is outstanding. He can’t have any more credit in my eyes.”
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Having the captain back for this weekend’s game would go someway towards reestablishing this team’s urgency on the ball while giving Klopp’s attacking stars the freedom to break forward knowing they have Henderson organising things behind them.
His experience and the manner in which he plays the game makes him key to our chances of coming away with anything tomorrow. Those around him must now look at him playing through pain and realise they have no excuses when it comes to putting the effort in. Once again, he is leading by example.