Gareth Southgate has admitted Jordan Henderson faces a race against time to even be fit for England's Euro 2020 campaign this summer.
The Liverpool captain has been absent since the 1-0 defeat at home to Everton last month, having limped off with a groin problem, with a return originally expected some time in April (Sky Sports).
Henderson underwent surgery on the issue, but his return to action is still a way off and he isn't expected to face Real Madrid in either leg of the Reds' Champions League quarter-final tie.
It means the 30-year-old will likely only return for the final weeks of this season at best, meaning he may not even be match-fit enough to play at the Euros.
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Henderson faces race to be fit for Euro 2020
Speaking to reporters [via the Liverpool Echo], England manager Southgate hinted that Henderson will need to prove his fitness in order to make the squad:
"In terms of promises, we can only say that Hendo himself is very optimistic about how the operation went and the prognosis that the specialist has given him as to what is possible," Southgate said.
"We are conscious that with any injury of that nature, there is a guide and a time defined - but that anything can happen along the way.
"We know it’s going to be close to the end of the season and we will just have to see how it goes.
"He will give himself every chance of being available. And, of course, we also know he is likely to be a bit short of match minutes in high-level games.
"There are a lot of things to take into consideration but, at the moment, that is a decision that is a few weeks away."
Transfer Tavern take
Missing the Euros would be an enormous blow for Henderson, who at 30, may not have many more chances to impress at a major tournament.
Given his standing as vice-captain in the current England squad, he will surely start if he is fit, but the next month or so could be crucial, in that respect.
It appears this is yet more bad injury news for Liverpool, given that the original prognosis for the skipper was that he would be back in April (Sky Sports).
In other news, some Liverpool fans have been reacting to yet another injury blow for the Reds. Read about it here.