Liverpool handed huge fitness boost as Gareth Southgate gives Jordan Henderson update

Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson has returned to training after illness, England boss Gareth Southgate has confirmed, in what will come as a boost for the Reds.

Jurgen Klopp's side are preparing to welcome back a number of key players after the international break, including Luis Diaz and Thiago Alcantara.

The German boss will be desperate to avoid any more injury or fitness issues ahead of Liverpool's next match, which is against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.

Henderson was already carrying a fitness issue, with illness forcing him to miss the Reds' 1-0 defeat to Real Madrid in the Champions League on March 15.

Furthermore, he also played no part in England's 2-1 win over Italy in Naples on Thursday.

The Reds skipper may not be operating on peak form this season, but has remained an almost ever-present in the starting XI under Klopp when available.

But Southgate has given a new update on Henderson which will come as a big boost.

Southgate gives Henderson fitness update

Speaking ahead of England's Euro 2024 qualifier against Ukraine on Saturday, the Three Lions boss stated that Henderson is now back in full training following his illness, meaning he should be ready to take on City next week.

Furthermore, Southgate also hinted that the 32-year-old could play a part for England at Wembley on Saturday evening - and has since chosen the midfielder to start against Ukraine.

He told reporters (via Liverpool Echo): "He hadn't trained a lot the previous week, he'd had an illness, which was the reason he missed Liverpool's game the week before, so he was a little bit undercooked for that [Italy game].

"But he's good now. He's good to go."

Henderson is the only Liverpool player in the England squad, with right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold missing out on selection.

Both he and Klopp will hope that he can get through Saturday's fixture against Ukraine unscathed, and be in top condition to face a huge test against City next weekend.