KEY POINTS
- Liverpool defeated Ajax 3-0 on Wednesday
- Salah, Nunez and Elliot scored for the Reds
- Henderson set up Salah’s goal in the first half
Jurgen Klopp has given a positive update on Jordan Henderson’s injury after Liverpool FC’s 3-0 win over Ajax.
Liverpool qualified for the Champions League Round of 16 with one game still remaining in their Group A schedule. The Reds put their Premier League struggles behind as they sealed a comprehensive victory over Ajax at Amsterdam ArenA. Mohamed Salah put the visitors 1-0 up just before the half-time break.
Darwin Nunez and Harvey Elliot netted a goal each in a span of two minutes in the second half to make it 3-0 for the Reds.
Henderson, who set up Salah’s goal, picked up a knock on his knee after clashing with Ajax midfielder Edson Alvarez. While the Liverpool skipper was clearly in pain, he managed to depart from the pitch without on-field treatment.
Klopp confirmed that while the injury looked “painful,” it was not serious.
“I was worried as well when I saw the situation because it was in front of me, but I think he thought he got knee on knee, so painful. A bruise, probably. Really painful but as far as I know now, nothing else and that should be fine,” Klopp told reporters.
Henderson already has had an injury layoff in the 2022-23 season. He missed six games in September after picking up a hamstring injury during Liverpool’s 2-1 win over Newcastle at Anfield.
POOL / Catherine Ivill
Out of Liverpool’s 11 league games, Henderson has featured in 10, starting in seven. Overall, Henderson has made 14 competitive appearances for the Reds this season. He has assisted one goal, which came on Wednesday against Ajax.
A serious injury to Henderson would not only be a blow for Liverpool but also to Gareth Southgate’s England as the FIFA World Cup is less than a month away.
Meanwhile, Liverpool are already without forwards Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota, and midfielder Arthur Melo as the trio has been sidelined due to injuries. Their return dates are not known as yet.
Liverpool’s upcoming fixture is against Leeds United in the Premier League on Sunday at Anfield. After that, they are scheduled to host Napoli next week in their final Group A game in the Champions League. Klopp’s side will look to avenge their 4-1 defeat in Naples last month.
