Liverpool's £20 million man Jordan Henderson does not fear the return of Steven Gerrard to the Reds' squad, insisting he is hoping to be in the team to face Manchester United on Saturday.
Henderson has experienced a mixed start to his Anfield career, scoring a fine goal at home to Bolton before later finding himself benched for the recent Merseyside derby at Everton. The England youngster is still trying to establish himself as a first-team regular, and his case will not be helped by fit-again Gerrard.
Gerrard, the Liverpool captain, has made three substitute appearances following a long-term groin injury and is eyeing a start against United. With Stewart Downing, Charlie Adam and Lucas Leiva likely to be certainties to face the champions at Anfield, Henderson faces a fight for a place in the midfield - not only against Gerrard but also Dirk Kuyt.
Kenny Dalglish opted to use Kuyt in the recent derby win over Everton, and the Liverpool manager has largely chosen to stick with a winning formula this season. Gerrard's recovery makes Henderson's involvement even less likely, but the former Sunderland man does not see himself becoming marginalised.
"Hopefully not. I'm not really worried about that, it's part and parcel of football," Henderson told Sky Sports News. "Obviously Stevie's a massive player for Liverpool and he's going to play as many games as he can.
"But I need to concentrate on what I do, work hard in training, and when given the opportunity I need to take it and stay in the team.
"The derby's a massive game and every player wants to play in it, so of course it was disappointing not to start [at Everton], but the team did brilliantly and I was fortunate enough to come on. Hopefully I'll start the next one."
Liverpool can move within three points of United with victory at Anfield. Last season's corresponding fixture saw the Reds triumph 3-1 thanks to a Dirk Kuyt hat-trick.
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