Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson to miss Arsenal match with ‘minor muscle problem’
Liverpool will be without captain Jordan Henderson for the visit of Arsenal on Monday, manager Jürgen Klopp has confirmed.
Henderson was subbed at half-time of the champions’ 2-0 win at Chelsea last week, the club citing a ‘minor muscle problem’, and he is not sufficiently recovered to face Mikel Arteta’s side.
“This game is for sure too early," said Klopp during his Friday press conference.
Liverpool may be able to call upon centre-back Joe Gomez, however, following his return to training. Klopp must decide whether to recall the youngster or persist with Fabinho in defence after he impressed in an unfamiliar role at Stamford Bridge.
Much will depend on whether Klopp feels Thiago Alcantara is ready to make his first start since his £20 million signing from Bayern Munich.
"We will see. We have a few days to train and see how we set up versus Arsenal,” said Klopp. “I have an idea but why should I make the decision today when we have time before Monday? He [Thiago] is in contention, let’s say.”
Liverpool have lost their last two games against Arsenal, beaten in the Premier League at the end of last season and in the recent Community Shield after a penalty shoot-out.
Asked what the difference is under Arteta, Klopp explained: “It is the defensive structure. Obviously all the players are involved in their defending, so it is like they defend in a 5-4-1 which, when you have quality players in the team, is a pretty tricky situation for the other team with the speed they have for the counter attack.
"Mikel showed in a pretty short period of time that he seems to be an exceptional football manager because the team he sets up now, the structure of the team is absolutely exceptional.
"You can see the balance between defence and offence is really good, you can see a lot of things that are obviously really helpful in football. Good organisation but freedom for the players as well, he uses the players in the right positions. I have to say since he has been there he did a pretty impressive job. I can say a lot of positive things about Arsenal because it is true, but I think we still have a chance on Monday night."
