Liverpool Handed Huge Boost As Star Steps-Up Injury Return Ahead Of Europa Final

Liverpool have been handed a huge injury boost after Jordan Henderson was given the green light to step-up his rehabilitation with the midfielder now targetting a surprise return in next weeks Europa League final.

Henderson has been on the sidelines since suffering knee ligament damage during Liverpool’s Europa League quarter-final first leg draw against Borussia Dortmund last month.

The Reds skipper was initially ruled out for the rest of the season and there were fears he would even miss this summer’s European Championship finals in France.

However, Henderson has made a swift recovery and having already begun light training, the Mirror claim that club medics have now given the 25-year-old permission to step-up his recovery programme.

Boss Jurgen Klopp suggested last week that he felt Henderson could yet recover in time to play in the Europa League final against Sevilla next week and it appears that is now considered as a realistic target.

The midfielder spoke at the launch of Liverpool’s new home kit last night and he’s quoted as saying by Liverpoolfc.com that he’s working hard to get himself fit and is determined to make himself available for the final, but understandably he won’t be taking any unnecessary risks.

“That would be the main priority for me [to play in the Europa League final]. It would be huge just to be involved and play a part in that if I could. But at the same time I’ve got to make sure that my knee is right because I don’t want to do myself further damage.

“I’m hoping [to be back] sooner rather than later. I’m doing everything I can to try to get fit as quickly as possible.

“I’ve had a good week so far, so hopefully I can have another good week and see where I am at the end of that. I’m being very positive and working hard, and hopefully it’s sooner rather than later.”

“The injury hasn’t come at a great time for me. But it doesn’t make a difference – it’s about the team and the cup final. Whether I’m involved or not, I’m hoping we’ll put on another good performance and win the trophy.”

It would be a major boost to Liverpool if Henderson was passed fit to face Sevilla next week but I’m sure they won’t rush him back too soon. Klopp has plenty of central midfield options with Erme Can, James Milner, Joe Allen and Lucas Leiva all available if the skipper misses out.

However, even if Henderson doesn’t make the Europa League final, he’s now almost certainly going to be fit for Euro 2016 which will come as a timely boost to Roy Hodgson ahead of his squad announcement on Thursday.