Klopp voices fears over Henderson as Liverpool injury crisis deepens

LONDON: Jurgen Klopp fears Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson may not play again this season after undergoing groin surgery as he grapples with a deepening injury crisis at Anfield.

The midfielder was forced off half an hour into a 2-0 home defeat to Everton last weekend and further investigation revealed the need for an operation.

Liverpool’s Premier League title defence has been badly undermined by season-ending injuries for centre-backs Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip.

Henderson has been forced to deputise in defence for long stretches of the season and his absence is another major blow to the Reds’ hopes of qualifying for the Champions League next season.

After a run of four consecutive league defeats, Klopp’s men are sixth in the table, five points adrift of the top four.

“It’s not a quick one,” said Klopp on the timescale for Henderson’s return. “But we all hope there is a possibility for him to play a few games this season.”

In a statement earlier Friday, Liverpool said Henderson will be out until after the March international break at the earliest.