Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson says he is working hard to be fit for next week’s Europa League final against Sevilla.
The midfielder has not played since the first leg of the quarter-final against Borussia Dortmund because of a knee injury.
And though he will not risk long-term injury to return too soon, Henderson said he was itching to be in the squad.
“It would be huge just to be involved and play a part in that if I could,” Henderson told Sky Sports late Monday, speaking at the launch of Liverpool’s home kit for 2016-17.
“But at the same time I’ve got to make sure that my knee is right because I don’t want to do myself further damage.
“I’m hoping (to return) sooner rather than later. I’m doing everything I can to try to get fit as quickly as possible.
“I’ve had a good week so far, so hopefully I can have another good week and see where I am at the end of that. I’m being very positive and working hard and hopefully it’s sooner rather than later.
“The injury hasn’t come at a great time for me. But it doesn’t make a difference - it’s about the team and the cup final.
“Whether I’m involved or not, I’m hoping we’ll put on another good performance and win the trophy.”
Manager Juergen Klopp says he has not ruled out anyone from earning a place in the squad for the final.
And the German said he would play strong sides for their remaining two league matches, at home to Chelsea on Wednesday and away to West Bromwich Albion on Sunday.
“Who knows who is going to be in the line-up next Wednesday? I have no idea,” he told Liverpool’s official website.
“Hopefully we will have more players coming back and then we will have a really difficult choice to make. But I haven’t thought for one second yet about the line-up for Sevilla.
“You cannot say: we will hold players back for the final. We have to take what we can get from our last two league games and then we will see.”