Liverpool Captain Discusses 'Difficult' Period He Spent Recovering From Injured Foot Last Season
Jordan Henderson has opened up about how "difficultly" he found spending time on the sidelines with a troublesome foot injury for the second half of last season.
The Liverpool club captain told the club's official site that he had learned plenty from his time off the pitch as he recuperated from a five-month lay off with a problematic foot injury.
Henderson was forced to miss 13 matches in all competitions as the Reds squeaked into the fourth and final Champions League qualification spot in 2016/17, and he explained how he had grown physically and mentally during his time on the treatment table.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - MAY 21: Jordan Henderson applauds the fans during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Middlesbrough at Anfield on May 21, 2017 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
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He said: “The majority of the injuries I’ve had have been difficult ones, in terms of not knowing how long and not having a timeframe to work to.
“I’d say the last few months were very difficult personally. You’ve got to learn from the experience. I feel stronger for it physically and mentally.
“The gaffer helped me a lot when I was injured. For any player, injuries are the worst part of football but you’ve got to deal with it the best way you can and try to come back stronger.”
Fresh from that lengthy absence, Henderson has begun making up for lost time by taking part in Liverpool's pre-season friendly fixtures so far this summer.
The 27-year-old midfielder played a part in the Merseysiders' local games against Tranmere and Wigan Athletic - playing 45 minutes in each - before departing for the Far East as part of Jurgen Klopp's party for their tour of Asia.
Henderson also played 51 minutes of Liverpool's 2-0 Asia Trophy win over fellow Premier League side Crystal Palace before being replaced by Ryan Kent as he continued to build up his match fitness.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 27: Jurgen Klopp manager of Liverpool embraces Jordan Henderson of Liverpool after the Premier League match between Liverpool and Stoke City at Anfield on December 27, 2016 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
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Henderson is now hopeful of getting a full pre-season workout under his belt ahead of the 2017/18 season, and he has called on his fellow first-team players to show their quality ahead of the gruelling 10-month campaign.
He added: “Every season you go into is the biggest season, no matter who you are.
“Whether you are a young player, an experienced player or a player who has just come in, every season is massive for us individually and as a team. This one is no different and I’m looking forward to it.”
