Gareth Southgate has drafted Liverpool skipper Jordan Henderson into the England squad for this month's Nations League double-header against Italy and Germany.
Henderson was not named in Southgate's initial squad last week after damaging his hamstring in the Reds' 2-1 win over Newcastle three weeks ago. The 32-year-old has been on the sidelines ever since, with Jurgen Klopp describing the situation as "not good".
Although it seemed a given that Henderson would miss out on this month's international fixtures, the Liverpool ace privately harboured hopes of recovering in time to play a part in England's final camp before the World Cup, which kicks off in just two months' time. And Henderson has got his wish after coming through a number of sessions at the weekend unscathed.
Despite Klopp's concern over his captain's injury and his previous comments on Nations League fixtures, the Daily Mail claims that the Reds chief is 'happy' for Henderson to link up with the national side to get some game time. It is believed that Henderson may have even been included in Liverpool's squad for the clash with Chelsea at the weekend had it not been postponed.
Henderson has only played once for England in 2022 after he was 'rested' for four fixtures in June by Southgate, but will now stand a chance of featuring against Italy in Milan on Friday and Germany the following Monday at Wembley.
Henderson's arrival will come as a welcome boost to Southgate and England in the wake of Kalvin Phillips' latest injury setback. The Manchester City midfielder, who moved to the Etihad from Leeds in the summer, has featured for just 14 minutes following his £42million switch due to a shoulder injury.
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Phillips, who has withdrawn from the squad after initially being called up, is expected to undergo surgery in a bid to solve the problem - and that could put his World Cup spot in major jeopardy with the showpiece tournament now just weeks away.
The 26-year-old has formed an impressive partnership in the heart of England's midfield alongside Declan Rice and the pair, alongside Henderson, were instrumental in the Three Lions' historic run to the Euro 2020 final last year.
But the chances of that partnership featuring prominently for England in Qatar now appear to be slim. Rice has also flattered to deceive for West Ham this year and is just one of a number of key players who have been struggling for form in recent weeks, including Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw.
England start their World Cup campaign against Iran on November 21 and will also lock horns with the United States and Wales in Group B.
