Jordan Henderson has seen his international break end prematurely after suffering yet another injury setback.
The Liverpool midfielder has only recently returned to fitness having missed two Premier League games and two Champions League fixtures due to a hamstring injury picked up in October’s 1-0 win over Huddersfield.
He made his comeback in the Reds’ 2-0 win over Fulham with a 21 minute cameo before coming on in the 57th minute of England’s 3-0 win over the USA.
An injury picked up at Wembley on Thursday night saw Henderson ruled out for selection ahead of Sunday’s UEFA Nations League clash with Croatia.
The Reds’ skipper has now returned to Merseyside for treatment in view of Saturday’s meeting with Watford, reports the Liverpool Echo’s James Pearce.
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Discussing the problem, Three Lions manager Gareth Southgate said: “Jordan has been carrying a bit of an injury. He’s someone who always wants to play, but in the end I had to take a decision.”
Henderson’s importance to Jurgen Klopp’s system was majorly underlined in tough trips to face Arsenal and Red Star Belgrade, with the threat of another frustrating spell on the sidelines now looming.
It cannot be understated how key the Englishman is in enforcing his manager’s desired intensity or stretching the game as Liverpool’s midfield anchor.
His potential absence again highlights the need for Naby Keita and Fabinho to begin making their mark after enduring tentative starts to life at Anfield.