HENDERSON DREAMS OF EUROS . . . BUT VAN DIJK OUT
JORDAN HENDERSON is channelling his efforts into being fit for England after Jurgen Klopp confirmed the midfielder will not play again for Liverpool this season. As Virgil van Dijk ruled himself out of the European Championship — it was never realistic to expect the Holland captain to be ready after missing the season with cruciate ligament damage — Liverpool’s manager revealed Henderson’s Euro dream remains alive. Liverpool’s skipper has been out since February 20 when he damaged his adductor during a 2-0 defeat by Everton. Henderson required surgery and has been in a rehabilitation programme for the past 10 weeks. Henderson had hoped to be involved in Liverpool’s final two matches of the campaign — against Burnley and Crystal Palace — but it has been decided to hold off rather than push him for a couple of substitute appearances. England manager Gareth Southgate has been in contact with Liverpool’s medical department recently and will give the 30-year-old every chance to be in his 26-man squad, which he names on May 25. ‘I know what it means if you miss a big personal target, so that’s not nice, especially for Virgil,’ said Klopp. ‘Hendo’s injury is different. Hendo doesn’t play and doesn’t train normally with us so that is a decision between Gareth and Hendo but I think there is a chance (he plays) for sure.’ Pre-season is now the aim for Van Dijk, who continues to make progress in his rehabilitation. He spoke to Liverpool’s website for the first time in seven months yesterday, to reveal his decision about the Euros and the frustration he felt about missing out. ‘I want to be back out there, helping my teammates, my country and I obviously want to help the club,’ said Van Dijk. ‘But I think it’s the right thing to do to stay a little bit more patient.’ His manager, though, sounded a note of caution, saying: ‘His injury has an average of 11 months. It happened in October so that is (recovery) in September. Even that is not sure.’