Liverpool team news: Klopp explains why Jordan Henderson was benched against Barcelona - (2026)

Updated: 04/03/2026

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By Adam Lanigan — If Liverpool are to be successful in the next eight days, they will have to do it without Naby Keita.

The midfielder tore a muscle in his groin during Wednesday’s first leg of the Champions League semi-final with Barcelona.

Keita has been ruled out for at least two months, meaning he will miss this summer’s Africa Cup of Nations as well as the final games in the Premier League and Champions League.

Captain Jordan Henderson was surprisingly left out in midweek, but he will come straight back in for Saturday’s game at Newcastle.

Read more: Liverpool team news: Expected 4-3-3 line-up vs Newcastle

“Hendo had played five games in a row and he was in outstanding shape,” says Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp. “He was the only one in the midfield who did that.

“Three games in six days were coming so it is clear he cannot play these three games.

“I make decisions for good reasons – my reasons obviously. Sometimes people understand them and sometimes not.

“I expect situations like this. There will be reactions but not from the players I hope.”

More on the Premier League:

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