Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has confirmed that club captain Jordan Henderson will miss Monday night’s clash with Arsenal at Anfield.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference today, the German boss said:
Hendo (Henderson) not yet, this game is for sure too early.
The news will come as a blow for the Reds who in the past have looked a shell of their usual selves without their talismanic leader.
Henderson came off at half-time in Liverpool’s away win against Chelsea, shortly after playing a sublime pass that lead to the host’s centre-back Andreas Christensen hauling down Sadio Mane, leading to the Chelsea man’s dismissal.
Joel Matip was also declared as a major doubt for Monday night’s match as the centre-back continues to miss training with a muscle injury.
Other injury news was more positive, however, as Klopp confirmed both Joe Gomez and Billy Koumetio have returned to training.
Virgil van Dijk will likely deputise as captain in Henderson’s absence unless there’s an unlikely start for frontline vice-captain James Milner.
Monday’s game at Anfield sees the Reds face Mikel Arteta’ side who seem to have a renewed confidence.
Having lost out on penalties to Monday night’s opponents in the curtain rasing Community Shield clash, the reigning Premier League champions will be hoping to right some wrongs, despite going into the match without their usual captain.
