Henderson: Ings and Gomez are more than inspirational to us

The pair sustained anterior cruciate ligament damage in the same week last October, just days after Jürgen Klopp had taken over at the Anfield helm.

Both players have since worked assiduously with the club’s medical staff at Melwood to get back to fitness, with Ings returning - ahead of schedule - as a substitute against West Bromwich Albion on the final day of 2015-16, while Gomez is making good progress in his own comeback campaign.

Henderson wrote in ‘This is Anfield’, which is avalible on sale at the stadium or online: “When things are going well at a football club it’s very easy to focus on the people in the team and those, to use a cliché, ‘making the headlines’. I suppose that’s the nature of the game and we’re all guilty of it at times.

“We’ve had a decent few weeks as a squad, with positive results and performances. The wins against Leicester, Chelsea and Derby show we’re improving. What we, as the players involved in those wins recognise, is that so much more goes into creating a ‘team’ than just the 11 lucky enough to start, or those on the bench, and those involved in the key moments.

“Two of the lads who stand out at this moment, for all the right reasons, are Danny Ings and Joe Gomez. It was almost 12 months ago that these two top players suffered the worst sort of luck. Take Ingsy first: a year ago he was flying, terrorising Premier League defences, scoring vital goals and getting picked for his country.

“Joe, likewise: proving himself in the Premier League with big performances and playing for the England U21s.

“Both were new signings in a new environment and I can tell you from experience, coming to Liverpool as a young(ish) player is a daunting thing. But both were already proving to be top-drawer players and making a positive impact. Away from my own injury issues last season, one of the lowest points was hearing that Danny and Joe had suffered ACLs within 48 hours of each other. As a teammate and their friend, I remember feeling gutted because of how well they’d started their career at Liverpool. I was gutted for them but also for the team, because I knew what a loss they’d be.

“The biggest positive to come from their setbacks is that their reputations with their teammates could not be any higher than they are now, because of the way they approached their rehab and the attitude they continue to show during this period. The word ‘inspiration’ is probably thrown around too easily but when it comes to these two, it actually doesn’t say nearly enough. As their teammates, we see everything they’ve done and we have nothing but respect and admiration for their professionalism, dedication and commitment.

“Danny made his comeback towards the end of last season and it was brilliant to see him play against West Brom on the final day; the reception he got from the supporters said it all. Since then, he’s had to battle each and every day to get his fitness and sharpness back to the levels he expects of himself, because coming back from an ACL takes time and patience. It was fantastic to see him continue that progression by playing a part in our cup win at Derby. Again, the supporters singing his name shows the regard in which he’s held.

“Joe has had to be a little more patient but he’s now getting closer and all the lads can’t wait to see him back in the main sessions. We’re all buzzing to see him outside and working hard with the fitness coaches. Joe is someone we’re all excited about in terms of his future here. He’s got everything!

“The work these lads have done doesn’t get the same exposure compared to the players who are starting games at the moment, but it doesn’t mean their contribution is any less. In the case of Danny, Joe and other lads who’ve had injuries, they are just as important as anyone to what we’re hoping to achieve.”

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