This morning, Jürgen Klopp learned that he would be without Jordan Henderson during the international break as Gareth Southgate called the Liverpool man up.
An injury to Kalvin Phillips has seen the Liverpool No.14 named in the England squad for the upcoming Nations League clashes against Italy and Germany.
That is despite the fact Henderson has missed the last three Premier League games for the Reds due to a hamstring injury, and is yet to actually return to full training according to Liverpool’s website.
In our view, Southgate’s decision will anger Klopp.
What’s the story?
Well, after failing to invest in the midfield over the summer, Liverpool find themselves lacking options.
Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Curtis Jones have joined Henderson in the treatment room in recent weeks, while Thiago has only just returned to full fitness.
Therefore, Klopp will surely be annoyed that Southgate has decided to call upon his £20m man for a couple of meaningless international games, instead of allowing him to rest.
Henderson has been far from a regular with the Three Lions since the 52-year-old replaced Sam Allardyce, with Phillips and Declan Rice often preferred in midfield.
Therefore, it doesn’t seem necessary for the Liverpool No.14 to be involved in this international break.
Gareth Southgate could cause Liverpool & Jordan Henderson angst
If Southgate actually uses Henderson against either Italy or Germany – or both – then he is putting Henderson at risk.
The 32-year-old is an incredible athlete, although he is no longer a spring chicken. When it comes to hamstring injuries, the Liverpool captain needs to be careful at his age.
Should Southgate cause Henderson to miss even more games for Liverpool as a result of playing him in the Nations League fixtures, Klopp’s blood will surely start to boil.
In truth, the damage could already be done, as the likes of Joe Gomez have suffered signifiant injuries even just in training with England in the past.
Hopefully, Henderson comes through the international break unscathed, or else Southgate is likely to receive an earful from Klopp.
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