Jordan Henderson Stepping Up Rehab For Decisive Atletico Madrid Clash

Some players grow in stature in their absence. They go from “what, exactly, do you do here?” to “Wow, we’re really missing him, yano.” It’s hard to think of a player who is a better example of this than Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson.

Since pulling up short with a hamstring injury against Atletico Madrid, Henderson’s stature has gone through the roof. The 3 losses in 4 matches from a previously difficult-to-beat Liverpool side only helps confirm his importance in the minds of Liverpool supporters.

And this isn’t the first time when the Liverpool nation have turned their lonely eyes to Jordan Henderson. Many readily point to his key absence in the ill-fated 2013/14 run in as a potential reason why the Reds were not crowned champion. And his injury issues over the 2014/15 and 2015/16 seasons, which also coincided with poor form from his healthy teammates, also adds to this narrative.

It is no wonder that many fans are pinning their hopes of Champions League advancement on the return of Jordan Henderson. If that’s the case, there is some potentially good news, and coming from a reliable source.

James Pearce reports for The Athletic that Jordan Henderson is stepping up his rehab in order to be fit for next Wednesday’s return leg against Atletico Madrid.

“They will be tough to break down but I still fancy Liverpool to go through,” Pearce wrote, “Atletico have issues of their own having only drawn against lowly Espanyol last weekend. Getting Henderson back for that game would be a huge boost.”

Henderson, playing through injury, was instrumental in last year’s improbably come-from-behind triumph over Barcelona. We might not need the same heroics this time, but his presence in the middle of the park will likely increase our chance of going through.

Come back to us healthy, Hendo. And sooner, rather than later, please!