Huge blow for Liverpool as captain Jordan Henderson major doubt for Arsenal clash

Jordan Henderson was forced off with injury in Liverpool's 1-0 win over Bournemouth

LIVERPOOL captain Jordan Henderson is a major doubt for next Monday's Premier League trip to Arsenal because of a foot injury.

 

Henderson was forced to undergo a scan yesterday after limping off during Monday's 1-0 home win over Bournemouth.

The midfielder had missed several days' training before that game because of the problem, and was only able to play with the help of painkillers.

He lasted only 51 minutes after aggravating the injury, and club medics are awaiting the results of tests.

 

Liverpool are confident Henderson has not broken a metatarsal, but there is still concern his injury could require rest, forcing him to miss the trip to the Emirates.

His absence would be a huge blow for manager Brendan Rodgers, who has seen his new captain form an effective midfield partnership with summer signing James Milner.

They are one of four teams on maximum points after two matches, but midfielder Adam Lallana is aware tougher tests lie ahead.

Liverpool visit Arsenal and Manchester United in their next two away matches, and need to improve on a poor record against the top flight's big names.

 

Rodgers' side collected just five points from eight matches against last season's top four, and that was a major factor in their failure to qualify for the Champions League as they finished sixth.

Lallana, 27, believes that, despite Liverpool's wobbly start, they can go toe-to-toe with the Premier League's big names - starting against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium next Monday.

He said: "They are always difficult games against the top four. They are good teams.

"Arsenal will be tough but we have a week to prepare for it. The manager will set us up to get a result there. We've had two clean sheets in two games and we'll be looking for a third on Monday night. We're going there to try to get the win."

The arrival of 6ft 3ins striker Christian Benteke has given Rodgers the option to play a more direct style this season, although the manager has insisted that he will not abandon his football principles.

 

Benteke's winner against Bournemouth, though, showed there is more to his game than aerial power, according to Lallana.

He said: "It was a real poacher's finish. Benteke is a predator in the box. That finish was brilliantly technically - getting good contact on the ball like that.

"We're going to have to scrap for results this year. We've got six points out of six and two clean sheets - that's massive for us, confidence wise.

"We know there's room for improvement and we're working hard in training to achieve that. But it's important to see this side of us."