Henderson and Trent could be set to start on Sunday

Could Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp be about to start Jordan Henderson and Trent Alexander-Arnold against West Ham on Sunday?

At the start of pre-season, Klopp was quick to point out that his players that played deep into the Word Cup would not start against West Ham United. Forget about Alexander-Arnold, Henderson, and Dejan Lovren? No. Not yet.

Nobody is doubting that Klopp was genuine in his thoughts when discussing the probability of the likes of the pair starting on Sunday. But, things change quickly.

In the case of Henderson, it may simply be that despite the summer reinforcements, Liverpool start the season in a position of needing their skipper. At least for 60 minutes or so.

Before a ball has been kicked, the Reds already find themselves with slim pickings at center back. This was highlighted by the fact that Fabinho found himself playing in the position for a period of time against Torino.

“But it is Hendo, so to be honest in the first session it looked like he trained for the whole three weeks. He was in a really good shape…” – Jurgen Klopp (Liverpoolfc.com)

Although Lovren has already been quick to claim that he is ready and raring to go, the reality is it’s probably too soon.

If Joe Gomez, Joel Matip, and Ragnar Klavan cannot recover from their knocks in time for Sunday,

Nat Phillips unfortunately did not do enough defensively to give Klopp confidence he could be an able deputy.

As a result, it could be likely that Fabinho is given the nod in defense, for lack of other options. He’s spent time at right back previously, and should be fairly comfortable alongside Virgil van Dijk. Moving Fabinho to defense would then shift a selection problem to another area – the midfield.

If Klopp was planning on starting with a traditional number six on Sunday, he would be left with asking Gini Wijnaldum to play the position, or hand Henderson a start ahead of schedule.

Although Wijnaldum is more than capable of playing the position, his recent performances have reminded everyone of how much more he has to offer than the “disruptor” role he so often was tasked with last season.

If Milner’s large quantity of stitches are not properly healed, Klopp may turn to Henderson and ask the Liverpool captain for at least a 60 minute shift. With good management of subs it could work.

By all counts, it appears that Henderson didn’t exactly spend his break on the beach eating burgers and hitting the ale. He actually wanted to report back early, and was told to take more time.

The fact he got minutes on the pitch against Torino is testament not only to his current fitness level, but also to the possible need for him at this specific time.

Speaking to official site, Liverpoolfc.com, Klopp said, “But it is Hendo, so to be honest in the first session it looked like he trained for the whole three weeks. He was in a really good shape.”

Klopp knows that to win the league Liverpool likely need 90+ points. If he feels Henderson is the best man to start the first game to ensure the win is secured he will make the call.

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Alexander-Arnold could also find himself in the starting eleven on Sunday, albeit for different reasons.

Unlike periods of last season, Liverpool actually have good depth at right back at the moment. However, Nathaniel Clyne’s performances have been somewhat solid though not exactly inspiring during pre-season.

The word to describe the young defender’s performance against Torino (and Napoli) would be assured. He looked like a player that had been a staple in the Liverpool starting eleven for years, not a promising 19 year old.

His performance simply has to give Klopp pause for thought ahead of Sunday’s opener. Although the performances have been somewhat brief, and the pre-season short, he already looks a better option than Clyne.

Klopp will no doubt be speaking to his sports scientists in the build up to the West Ham game. If they articulate that the risks of giving Trent and Henderson 60 minutes are minimal given their current condition, don’t be surprised to see them start.

Liverpool need a strong start to the season. They need to find a way to win a minimum of 28 games for a shot at the league. Klopp may just feel he can manage his substitutions well enough in the first few games to name some surprise starters.