The two players picked up injuries in the recent international window and both missed out on starting spots against Arsenal at the weekend as a result.

Henderson appeared as a substitute during the second half of the 4-0 victory over Arsenal, while Robertson was not involved with the matchday squad.

Offering an update on the duo at his pre-match press conference on Tuesday, Jürgen Klopp said: “We always respect the competition but we have to think about ourselves, our schedule and the situation of our players first.

“Hendo, we will see. [Monday], I would say maybe he was not at 100 per cent. So he can play, he can do pretty much everything but it’s about really being at 100 per cent fit.

“So I thought when he came on against Arsenal it was just to see the game out and controlling a little bit – that was exactly actually what he had to do from the rehab point of view, so he used these few minutes. But now we have to see. I don’t know 100 per cent.

“Robbo, similar. Both are OK, but are both now ready to play, ready to start with the schedule, with games coming up? We have to make these decisions.

“We didn’t make these decisions yet, to be honest, because, how we all know, in this time of the season the medical department has a big hand in line-ups. So we will see.”

Liverpool have already won their Champions League group after winning their first four games at that stage of the competition for the first time in their history.

Porto sit second in the group, seven points off Liverpool and one ahead of Atletico Madrid – wins for Porto and AC Milan will send the Portuguese club into the last 16.

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Senegal’s Sadio Mané, who also picked up an injury during this period, is fit and available for the clash – he has been training with the squad this week after returning to Kirkby from international duty.

However, the return to club football comes too soon for a quartet of Liverpool players working their way back into contention.

Roberto Firmino, Joe Gomez, Naby Keita and James Milner will all be unavailable for the match this weekend.

“Robbo was lucky, we can probably say. It was a little bit DOMS, the intensity of all the games he played probably, rather than anything else,” Klopp told Liverpoolfc.com on Thursday.

“He was smart enough to [make] the right decision, he went off early, which he usually is not doing. But in this case it was absolutely right, and so there’s a good chance that he can be involved at the weekend.

“Hendo, a little bit more [injured] than Robbo but a chance for the weekend. So we are working on that. It’s not a serious injury but in this short period of time we have to see if he is ready for Saturday. But after that, 100 per cent, and possibly for Arsenal as well.

“Sadio is fine – painful but fine. Everybody who had a rib bruise knows it’s an annoying thing. But Sad trained here with us now in all sessions.

“We took him out a little bit earlier here and there when we knew now it will be full contact, stuff like this, just to give it a bit more time to settle. But he looks fine.”

Liverpool face Arsenal at Anfield on Saturday, November 20 at 5:30 pm.

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Henderson has spent ten years at the club after joining from Sunderland in 2011 and has become the captain and an important figure in the starting eleven over the years.

The captain put pen to paper at the AXA Training Centre and put the minds of Liverpool fans to ease.

Henderson told Liverpoolfc.com after inking the terms: “I’m obviously very honoured and proud to continue the journey I’ve already been on here.

“It’s amazing to finally get it done and just concentrate on looking forward and what the future may hold.

“I’m in a different place of course, as a player and as a person, from when I first walked in. I’ve learned and grown a lot over my time here, and I’ve got to thank a lot of people for that.

“I’ve loved every minute of it, even when I look back at the tough times, I was still enjoying being a part of this football club. The longer I can do that, the better for me really. I want to be here as long as possible, I’ve always said that.

“To continue this journey is incredible for me and my family, and I hope the fans and the club feel the same way.”

Henderson has amassed 394 appearances for the Reds since making his debut in August 2011 and has scored 30 goals.

The 31-year-old has won a League Cup, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, FIFA Club World Cup and Premier League in his time at the club.

He was the FWA Footballer of the Year, as well as the club’s Player of the Season in 2019-20 when they won their first league title in 30 years.

“Every year is the same, every year is the biggest challenge, the biggest season ahead. I feel as hungry as ever.

“I feel as hungry as I did when I first walked in 10 years ago, to prove to people that I deserve to be at this football club and give absolutely everything every single day for the badge, for the fans and for each other in this building.

“If we do that, I feel as though we’ve got a good chance of being successful.”

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2020 is finally coming to an end after a long, bizarre and extraordinary – for all the wrong reasons – 12 months.

It’s been a unique year of football. The suspension of the Premier League for a number of months, Liverpool’s first league title in 30 years and the absence of fans in football stadiums made for one of the most peculiar Premier League years in recent memory.

There have also been several key performers over the past year, but which of those make our Premier League team of 2020?

GOALKEEPER

ALISSON – LIVERPOOL

Alisson has proven himself as an indispensable member of the Liverpool squad since joining from Roma in 2018.

The Brazilian’s importance was not only demonstrated as he helped his team to a league title for the first time in 30 years, but also during his absence. Backup keeper Adrian came into the team on several occasions to replace the injured Alisson, but despite his best efforts, he was unable to emulate the latter’s performances.

Known for not only his excellent shot stopping skills, but also his elite distribution among other attributes. He displayed his goalkeeping acumen against Newcastle on Wednesday as he made a number of important saves.

Alisson is still only 28, also, meaning he could continue to dominate for years to come.

Honourable mentions: Emiliano Martínez (Aston Villa/Arsenal), Nick Pope (Burnley).

RIGHT-BACK

TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD – LIVERPOOL

Although Alexander-Arnold hasn’t been quite as good this season as he was last thus far, but his worth to the Liverpool squad is still invaluable.

Alexander-Arnold contributed to the 2^nd most assists in the league last season, only topped by Kevin De Bruyne. His passing range is undoubtedly one of the best in the league, and inarguably the best in his position.

His performances last year earned him a place in the PFA Team of the Year. He was also honoured as PFA Young Player of the Year.

At only 22, Alexander-Arnold has a long and decorated career ahead of him. We could be looking at a Liverpool captain in the making.

Honourable mentions: Tariq Lamptey (Brighton & Hove Albion), João Cancelo (Manchester City).

LEFT-BACK

ANDREW ROBERTSON – LIVERPOOL

Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold make up the best full-back pairing the league so it would be unfair not to include Robertson, especially considering his consistency over the past year.

Robertson put up 12 assists in the league this season on his way to a PFA Team of the Year inclusion. The Scottish international has started this season in a similar vein of form, coming up with 5 assists so far.

Not only is Robertson masterful in his attacking output, he’s also one of the most defensively accomplished left-backs in the league.

He has arguably been Liverpool’s most consistent player this term in a season riddled with injury problems and surprise results – despite sitting 1^st in the table.

Honourable mentions: Lucas Digne (Everton), Ben Chilwell (Chelsea, Leicester City).

CENTRE-BACKS

JAMES TARKOWSKI – BURNLEY

This might come as a strange selection to some, but James Tarkowski has quietly proven himself as one of the best centre-backs in the league over the past few seasons.

Tarkowski joined Burnley in 2016 and has been ever-present since.

Burnley rely very much – maybe overly so – on their defensive quality and Tarkowski, along with his partner Ben Mee, have that in abundance. In fact, no defender has kept more clean sheets in the league this year than Tarkowski.

The centre-back helped Burnley to a respectable 10^th place finish last season. Burnley have struggled so far this season but have showed signs of a resurgence in recent weeks.

VIRGIL VAN DIJK – LIVERPOOL

Van Dijk has barely featured in the Premier League this season due to an ACL injury suffered in October. His form before the injury, though, more than warranted an inclusion in this team.

Van Dijk was key in ensuring Liverpool captured the evasive Premier League trophy last season after coming so close in 2018/19.

His performances earned him a place in the PFA Team of the Year alongside fellow Liverpool defenders Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Van Dijk has all the attributes of a world-class defenders. His positional awareness, physicality and elite tackling ability make him one of the best defenders in recent memory. He also possess one of the best passing ranges of any centre-back worldwide which compliments Liverpool’s style of play to a tee.

Van Dijk has been sorely missed for Liverpool so far – despite Fabinho filling in capably – and his return will be a massive boost to members of the club and fans alike.

Honourable mentions: Michael Keane (Everton), Fabinho (Liverpool), Çağlar Söyüncü (Leicester City), Jannik Vestergaard (Southampton).

MIDFIELDERS

KEVIN DE BRUYNE – MANCHESTER CITY

Kevin De Bruyne arguably had his best season in a Manchester City shirt last season which is no mean feat considering his displays in previous seasons.

De Bruyne won PFA Player’s Player of the Year and Premier League Player of the Season last term in a spectacular season.

The Belgian equalled Thierry Henry’s long-standing record for most assists in a Premier League season as he finished with 20 assists. He also surpassed his career best for most league goals in a season, scoring 13.

Manchester City have failed to live up to their remarkably high standards this season and De Bruyne’s form has also dipped as a result. He is still, however, one of the best players in the league and it’s only a matter of time before he gets back to his best.

BRUNO FERNANDES – MANCHESTER UNITED

Bruno Fernandes only arrived at Manchester United in January but has already established himself as one of the best players at the club, if not the best.

Nobody was quite sure how Fernandes would fare in the Premier League given the jump in quality but he has proved his doubters wrong and has taken to the league like a duck to water.

In fact, Fernandes has contributed to more Premier League goals (32) than any other player in the league, despite missing the first month of the year.

He has completed transformed the fortunes of Manchester United since joining and is very much the focal point of the squad. They currently sit 2^nd in the table with much thanks due to the creativity and goalscoring instincts of the Portuguese international.

A Premier League Player of the Season award – as well as other honours – is very much in sight for Bruno Fernandes if he continues his impressive form.

JORDAN HENDERSON – LIVERPOOL

Jordan Henderson should be a shoo-in for any team of the year.

The Liverpool captain’s ability has been called in question numerous times over the year but he has proved his doubters wrong time after time.

Last season he captained his side to their first Premier League title in 30 years. This season the responsibility upon his shoulders has increased tenfold given the absence of several key players and the introduction of numerous youth players into the first team, a pressure which he has taken into his stride.

Henderson received several honours for his performances and leadership last season, including but not limited to; Liverpool Fans’ Player of the Season, FWA Footballer of the Year and an inclusion in the PFA Team of the Year.

Henderson is often underrated by fans but his value to the Liverpool squad and system is immeasurable.

Honourable mentions: Jack Grealish (Aston Villa), Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City), Pierre-Emile Højbjerg (Tottenham Hotspur/Southampton), Tomáš Souček (West Ham United).

RIGHT-WINGER

MOHAMED SALAH – LIVERPOOL

Currently leading the Premier League scoring chart with 13 goals, Mohamed Salah has had a fine start to the season. The Egyptian needs just 6 more goals to match his total of 19 league goals last season.

Himself, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino have formed a potent attack over the years which would be the envy of most – if not all – clubs in world football.

Salah’s direct movement, close control and remarkable finishing is perfect for Liverpool’s system. His finishing is of such high quality that he’s significantly outperforming his expected goals of 8 this season (according to understat).

Reports of Salah’s desire to leave Anfield have been circulating in recent weeks to the dismay of Liverpool fans. No doubt Salah’s departure would be a monumental loss but he remains at Anfield and has shown no signs of unhappiness other than rumours.

Honourable mentions: Riyad Mahrez (Manchester City), Jarrod Bowen (West Ham United).

LEFT-WINGER

HEUNG-MIN SON – TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

Few footballers have had a more accomplished 2020 than Heung-min Son.

The Tottenham forward has been one of the Premier League’s top performers – particularly this season – over the past year. Not only that, though, he also completed mandatory service for the South Korean military for a period of 3 weeks between April and May, during which he finished in the top 5 over 150 other trainees in basic military training.

He has moulded a formidable partnership with Harry Kane over the course of the season so far. The pair have combined with each other for a total of 32 Premier League goals during their times at Tottenham. For context, that’s just 4 goals off Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard’s record of 36.

In total this season, the pair have combined with each for 12 goals, just 1 goal off equalling the record of 13 set by Alan Shearer and Chris Sutton during the 1994/95 season.

Son is joint 2^nd in the Premier League scoring charts with 11 goals, the same tally as Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Jamie Vardy.

Honourable mentions: Sadio Mané (Liverpool), Marcus Rashford (Manchester United).

STRIKER

HARRY KANE – TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

There are a number of Premier League strikers deserving of an inclusion in this team, namely Jamie Vardy, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Danny Ings. We’ve gone with Harry Kane, though.

Despite suffering an injury which kept him out for months at the start of the season, Kane has managed to rack up the same amount of goal contributions as Jamie Vardy (26).

Kane has proven himself not only as one of the deadliest finishers in the league, but also as one of the best creative outlets. He has by far the most assists to his name this season with 10, his closest competitors in Bruno Fernandes and Kevin De Bruyne have 7 to their name respectively.

Tottenham started the season magnificently but have dipped in form over the past few games, collecting just 2 points in their last 4 games.

They’ll be hoping, with the help of Harry Kane among others, for a positive result against Leeds at the weekend to kickstart their 2021.

Honourable mentions: Jamie Vardy (Leicester City), Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Everton), Danny Ings (Southampton).

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Crystal Palace have surpassed expectations by some margin so far this season. This afternoon, though, they faced their biggest challenge yet as they took on in-form Liverpool.

Liverpool looked to stretch their lead at the top of table after their impressive victory against fellow title chasers Tottenham Hotspur last weekend. They did just that as they ran out 7-0 winners. They’re now 6 points ahead at their nearest competitors – albeit Spurs have a game in hand.

Takumi Minamino was given an unfamiliar role as a starter, taking the place of Mohamed Salah. His place on the bench likely comes as a decision to rest the Egyptian, however reports have also emerged that Salah may be unsettled at the club. He revealed in an interview to AS that his future may not lie at Liverpool. He also expressed he was disappointed not to be made captain against Midtjylland, leading to questions about his happiness at the club.

Mohamed Salah is flexing for Real Madrid and Barcelona

Is his time at Liverpool coming to an end? pic.twitter.com/5nUqIi5BBQ

— Goal (@goal) DECEMBER 19, 2020

FIRST HALF

Nevertheless, it didn’t take long for his replacement to open the scoring. Takumi Minamino hit the net in just the 2^nd minute to score his first Premier League goal for the club. The Japanese international set himself up with a good touch before smashing the ball into the bottom corner, leaving no chance for Vicente Guaita.

After that, Crystal Palace had a number of decent opportunities to draw level but they failed to take their chances. Their wastefulness would eventually cost them as Liverpool extended their lead in the 35^th minute through Sadio Mane. He made it 2-0 as he produced an excellent touch at the edge of the area before rifling the ball into the back of the net.

They scored their 3^rd goal just before the break, this time Roberto Firmino was the scorer. Andy Robertson whipped an accurate early cross into the feet of the Brazilian before he calmly slotted past the Palace keeper.

The first half ended 3-0 to the frustration of Crystal Palace who may have felt the scoreline – at that stage – flattered Liverpool.

After a fairly even first half – despite the scoreline – Liverpool began to dominate in the second. They controlled much of the possession and shut out Palace as they had failed to do on occasion earlier in the match.

SECOND HALF

Captain Jordan Henderson made it 4-0 with a lovely goal from the edge of the area. He accurately placed the ball into the left-hand corner to effectively end Crystal Palace’s hope of a comeback.

Roberto Firmino got his 2^nd in the 68^th minute after a lovely Liverpool counter attack. Firmino was played in before he took the ball past James McArthur and lobbed over Guaita into the net. Another brilliant goal by Liverpool.

Firmino didn’t get the chance to complete his hat trick as he was subbed off in the 75^th minute for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. He should, however, be very pleased with his performance on the day.

The Brazilian has been criticized by some in recent months for his performances. Today, though, he proved he’s just as valuable to this Liverpool team as he’s ever been.

Mohamed Salah was brought on for Sadio Mane around the 60-minute mark and he added to the scoreline in the 80^th minute. The goal came from a set piece this time. Trent Alexander-Arnold swung in a deep corner which was met by the head of Joel Matip before Mohamed Salah reacted quickest to guide the ball into the net.

Mohammed Salah got his brace just minutes after. This time it was an unbelievable strike from just outside the area. He hammered the ball into the top corner from 20 yards to complete the rout.

Thankfully for Palace, the scoring stopped after that. The final score was 7-0 to Liverpool in a disappointing afternoon for Crystal Palace. Jurgen Klopp can have no complaints after today’s performance.

WHAT. A. PERFORMANCE.

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) DECEMBER 19, 2020

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Henderson made history when he skippered the Reds to a first Premier League title in 30 years. Liverpool have one remaining game left which is away to Newcastle on Sunday and they are 18 point clear at the top of the Premier League standings. The Sunderland born 30 year old also spearheaded the #playerstogether initiative which saw players link up with NHS Charities to raise money for The NHS.

In a statement Henderson said, “I’d like to say how appreciative I am of the support of those who voted for me and the Football Writers’ Association in general”. He continued, “You only have to look at the past winners of it, a number of whom I’ve been blessed to play with here at Liverpool, like Stevie (Steven Gerrard), Luis (Suarez) and Mo (Mohamed Salah) to know how prestigious it is”.

Henderson who has played over 50 times for England, said “But as grateful as I am I don’t feel like I can accept this on my own. I don’t feel like anything I’ve achieved this season or in fact during my whole career has been done on my own”. He thanked all the players in the squad and said “He accepts the award on behalf of the whole squad”. “I accept it on behalf of this whole squad, because without them I’m not in a position to be receiving this honour. These lads have made me a better player – a better leader and a better person, Henderson said.

Chair of the FWA, Carrie Browne said,” Leadership is intangible and often unquantifiable unless it is inarguable. Jordan Henderson is both the ultimate professional and now a bona fide Liverpool legend”. The voting criteria for the Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year is one who leads by precept and example and in this country’s darkest moment, Jordan, unprompted, personally rallied club captains to establish #PlayersTogether

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