Henderson in fitness race ahead new season

Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson is confident he can return to full fitness for the first game of the Premier League season next month after an extended spell on the sidelines through injury, the midfielder has said.

The 27-year-old missed the latter stages of the last campaign after picking up a foot injury in February but returned to action last week, playing a half in each of the pre-season friendlies against Tranmere Rovers and Wigan Athletic.

Liverpool play their first match in the Premier League Asia Trophy against Crystal Palace in Hong Kong on Wednesday and the England international believes that winning such games will boost morale ahead of next season.