Mark Lawrenson wants Liverpool to hand the captain's armband to Dejan Lovren in Jordan Henderson's absence and believes the midfielder being out will not necessarily be a big blow given his recent form.

Henderson picked up a knee injury during Liverpool’s 1-1 draw with Borussia Dortmund in a Europa League quarter-final first leg clash at the Westfalenstadion last night.




The England international, who missed a considerable part of the present campaign with a heel injury, had to be replaced by Joe Allen at half-time against BVB.

The extent of Henderson’s injury is yet to be determined and he is expected to miss the return leg at Anfield next week.
 


And Lawrenson, who credited Henderson for playing through the pain barrier this season, thinks Lovren deserves to be named Liverpool’s captain in the 25-year-old’s absence.

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“It would be [huge to lose him, but] I wouldn't say he's had the best few months, Jordan Henderson”, Lawrenson said on BBC Radio 5 Live, following the Dortmund game.

“His heel injury is something he has been managing. He's been getting to 70 minutes in games and limping, so all credit to him, he's played with the pain unlike one or two others as we know.

“People will say 'if he's not going to play then who should be captain?' Well, I'd give it to Lovren – he deserves it.”

Henderson has made 25 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring two times and providing three assists.