England sweating over the fitness of Jordan Henderson ahead of Euros as Gareth Southgate insists ‘we are conscious anything can happen along the way’ with Liverpool skipper continuing recovery from groin injury

  • Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson underwent groin surgery last month 
  • He sustained the injury in Merseyside derby defeat by Everton on February 20
  • He was set to be sidelined for at least five weeks, but may be out for much longer
  • Now there are doubts over his availability for the Euros, which begin in June 

England manager Gareth Southgate admitted midfielder Jordan Henderson faces a race against time to be fit for this summer’s Euros as the Liverpool captain continues his recovery from a groin injury.

Henderson underwent groin surgery last month after picking up the injury in Liverpool’s 2-0 Premier League defeat by Merseyside rivals Everton on February 20 and was expected to be sidelined for at least five weeks.

But the 30-year-old could be out for much longer, casting doubt over his availability for the Euros which are scheduled to begin in June.

Liverpool and England midfielder Jordan Henderson is a doubt for this summer’s Euros

‘We know it’s going to be close to the end of the season and we will just have to see how it goes,’ Southgate said.

‘We are conscious that with any injury of that nature, there is a guide and a time defined, but that anything can happen along the way.

‘In terms of promises, we can only say that Hendo himself is very optimistic about how the operation went and the prognosis that the specialist has given him as to what is possible.

‘We also know he is likely to be a bit short of match minutes in high-level games. 

Gareth Southgate couldn't put a time frame on Henderson's recovery from a groin injury

Gareth Southgate couldn’t put a time frame on Henderson’s recovery from a groin injury

‘There are a lot of things to take into consideration but, at the moment, that is a decision that is a few weeks away.’

Henderson has 58 caps for England and was a key member of Southgate’s side that reached the 2018 World Cup semi-finals. 

The Liverpool skipper’s absence from the Euros would come as a huge blow to Southgate given his experience and leadership in the heart of midfield.