News emerged this morning that Jordan Henderson is to undergo groin surgery after the injury he suffered in the Merseyside Derby. The Liverpool captain was forced off the field in the first-half of their 2-0 defeat to Everton.
It's expected Henderson will be out until April at the earliest. Liverpool's medical staff assessed the injury and decided an operation was necessary.
Liverpool released a statement on Henderson:
Following further assessment with the club's medical team, Henderson has successfully had a corrective procedure carried out on the adductor injury. He will begin a rehabilitation programme immediately.
The club then added:
No specific timescale is being placed upon his return; however, the 30-year-old is ruled out initially until after the March international break. Henderson's recovery will be closely monitored by the club's medical department and his progression during his rehab work will determine when he is able to resume full training.
We can confirm Jordan Henderson has undergone a successful operation on the injury he sustained during Saturday’s Merseyside derby with Everton.
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) February 26, 2021
The 30-year-old had been playing a vital role as a stand-in centre back for Jurgen Klopp's side. Virgil Van Dijk and Joe Gomez were both sidelined since before Christmas, and Joel Matip will miss the rest of the season.
Henderson was the preferred partner for another makeshift centre-back in Fabinho, who's also recovering from an injury. This leaves Klopp to decide between new January acquirements Ben Davies and Ozan Kabak as well as youngsters Rhys Williams and Nathaniel Phillips for the vacant centre-back roles.
Liverpool fans will be boosted by the news that Diogo Jota has resumed full training this week, with Virgil Van Dijk stepping up his rehab and looking to be ahead of schedule on his return.