Liverpool Team News: Striker Set To Undergo Scan + Henderson Surgery Update

Liverpool striker Christian Benteke is set to undergo a scan today on his hamstring injury while Jordan Henderson’s operation was a success.

The Reds take on Carlisle in the 3rd round of the Capital One Cup on Wednesday night looking to address a worrying run of form that’s seen the Merseysiders go five games without a win.

Ahead of the game, first team coach Gary McAllister spoke to the media at the clubs pre-match press conference this morning and the former midfielder confirmed the latest team and injury news.

McAllister revealed that Christian Benteke is set to undergo an MRI scan on the hamstring injury that forced him off at half-time during Liverpool’s 1-1 draw with Norwich City on Sunday afternoon.

The Belgian international is certain to miss tomorrow night’s League Cup clash but it remains to be seen whether he’ll be fit to return for Saturday’s huge Premier League game with former side Aston Villa.

McAllister also confirmed that Henderson’s operation on his broken metatarsal was a success but refused to put a time-scale on the midfielders return to action.

He told the clubs official website:

“Christian will have an MRI scan today and hopefully they’ll find the problem – he’s got a little problem with his hamstring.

“Everybody [else] is good. Jordan’s come through fine. There’s not really a timescale on that, but everything went well there.

“We’re picking from nearly a full squad [for Carlisle].”

Danny Ings came off the bench to replace Benteke at Anfield on Sunday and opened the scoring within three minutes of the restart, so you’d expect the former Burnley man should get his chance from the start tomorrow night.

Losing Henderson will be a big blow to Liverpool as he’s become a hugely influential player in Brendan Rodgers’ side having been given the armband following the departure of Steven Gerrard, so I’m sure the Reds boss will be praying he isn’t on the sidelines for too long.

One man who made his long-awaited return from injury at the weekend was Daniel Sturridge and McAllister admitted it was a big boost to have the striker available again but insists the medical team will take good care of him over the course of the season.

He continued:

“That was another positive from the weekend,” said McAllister. “He’s a quality player and brings something a little bit different.

“The medical guys are aware of Daniel’s situation and over the season, he’s a player they’ve got to really look after. But it’s just a plus to have him back in and around the first team.”

Having completed just over 60 minutes on Sunday, I’d be hugely surprised if Sturridge was handed another start against Carlisle on Wednesday so expect Divock Origi to join Ings in attack.