Jordan Henderson Adds to Liverpool Injury Woes After Returning with Hamstring Problem

Jordan Henderson has added to Liverpool's injury woes after England manager Roy Hodgson confirmed the midfielder's omission from England's friendly win over Scotland was due to a minor hamstring problem.

Henderson, 24, was left out as a precaution from England's 3-1 win at Celtic Park due to the problem.

"Jordan has a slight hamstring problem," Hodgson said. "It is very minor. He wanted to play but I didn't want to take the risk."

Henderson is now a doubt for Sunday's visit to Crystal Palace, the scene of Liverpool's collapse in last season's title race.

Liverpool were left reeling on Tuesday after Daniel Sturridge suffered a fresh setback in his bid to return to first team action.

Sturridge, 25, has not played for the club since the end of August after picking up a thigh injury while on international duty. His comeback was delayed in October due to a separate calf problem, but the England international had been expected to make his return at Selhurst Park this weekend.

However, widespread reports on Tuesday evening suggest Sturridge has suffered a recurrence of the original thigh problem, a development which will act as a sizeable blow to Brendan Rodgers' plans.

Sturridge, who netted 21 league goals last season, has not played for the club since the 3-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur on 31 August. During his absence, Liverpool's other three forward options of Mario Balotelli, Rickie Lambert and Fabio Borini have failed to contribute a single league goal between them.

Balotelli fitness ahead of the visit to Palace is also a concern for Rodgers after the Italian international returned to from international duty early last Friday with a hamstring problem.

Defenders Mamadou Sakho and Jon Flanagan also remain unavailable due to respective thigh and knee injuries.