Jordan Henderson Reportedly Ruled Out vs. Everton With Foot Injury

Liverpool have received a blow before this weekend's Merseyside derby against Everton as skipper Jordan Henderson will miss Saturday's Premier League clash at Anfield with a lingering foot injury.

Henderson has missed five weeks with the problem, per James Pearce of the Liverpool Echo, who also revealed how the ex-Sunderland midfielder missed Thursday's training session at Melwood.

Henderson's continued absence further compounds Liverpool's issues in midfield. The Reds will already be without fellow England international Adam Lallana, who is set to miss a month with a thigh problem, per BBC Sport.

PAUL ELLIS/Getty Images

Now Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp will be forced into a reshuffle in the middle. Pearce has a few ideas about how the German may rearrange his personnel: "The Reds boss must decide whether to start Lucas Leiva alongside Emre Can and Gini Wijnaldum or play Philippe Coutinho in midfield and hand a start to Divock Origi as part of his front three."

No matter which way Klopp goes, not having Henderson's engine and battling qualities available could seriously undermine the Reds in a derby. Clashes against Everton are usually scrappy affairs, and the Toffees are strongest in the middle this season.

In particular, enforcer Idrissa Gueye and bright spark Tom Davies could tip the scales Everton's way. Davies' smart running off the ball could go unchecked without Henderson around to protect a shaky Liverpool defence.

Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

The Toffees need to win to keep their top-four hopes alive, while Liverpool have a six-point lead over their neighbours in the final UEFA Champions League spot. Whoever wins the midfield battle will likely claim three precious points.

Liverpool's task just got tougher.