Jordan Henderson’s dismissal could be blessing in disguise for Liverpool’s derby hopes

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Cruising to a comfortable, routine win over Watford, Liverpool could have been forgiven for thinking that things were going too well at Vicarage Road until Jordan Henderson’s clumsy and foolish sending off.

The club captain tripped Etienne Capoue late on to collect a second yellow card which will now see him face a suspension which will mean he will not be available for the Merseyside Derby against Everton.

It comes just as Henderson returned to action after a spell on the sidelines, with Jurgen Klopp showing his faith by selecting him ahead of summer arrivals Naby Keita and Fabinho.

In truth though, Henderson’s unavailability may be a strength. Klopp has appeared reluctant to call upon his summer additions in recent weeks as they continue to find their feet but this will give him little choice but to do so.

Even considering the value of Henderson in the line-up, it is not a bad thing either. The ban will not apply for Champions League fixtures and may allow the coach to select his captain on Wednesday against Paris Saint-Germain with less concern about his fitness after a prolonged spell on the sidelines.

Unnecessary and foolish, it’s hard to imagine that the coach was particularly impressed by his captain’s dismissal, but it could prove to have its benefits.