Henderson declares himself ready for West Ham game

Liverpool skipper Jordan Henderson believes he is ready to start in his side’s first Premier League game against West Ham despite his late return to Melwood.

Henderson’s pre-season training only officially kicked-off on Sunday when he rejoined the fold following his post-World Cup holiday.

Impressively, he managed to get around 25 minutes under his belt in the Reds’ final friendly against Torino on Tuesday evening.

Rather suddenly, then, he has forced himself into contention for Sunday’s clash with the Hammers.

“Yes,” he replied when asked if he was keen to start the game. “But at the same time I understand the lads have been back a lot longer than me and they have had minutes on the pitch.

“Even though I did a lot of training when I was away, and I feel good, it’s totally down to the manager and what he feels is right for the team.

“Because at the end of the day we want to win something this year and be successful – so we are going to need everyone.”

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Henderson earned widespread plaudits for his performances at the World Cup but has returned to Liverpool facing significant competition for a starting role following the arrivals of Fabinho and Naby Keita.

However, the 28-year-old feels that battle for places can only be beneficial.

“There’s competition everywhere,” he said. “All over the pitch we’ve got two or three players in the same position.

“It’s good competition. Everyone is pushing each other on in training to start. And if you don’t start you have to be ready to come on and make an impact.

“I have only been back for a couple of days but I sense how hard the lads have worked and they are right up at the standard that they need to be at to go flying into the first game of the season.

“So, I’m looking forward to it. And I feel as though we have got a fantastic squad. But it’s down to us to go out and do the business.”

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Source: anfieldhq.com