England midfielder Jordan Henderson has undergone surgery for a serious arm injury and has been ruled out for the remainder of the World Cup. The 36-year-old Brentford player suffered the injury while celebrating England's 3-2 victory over Mexico in the World Cup last 16.
Henderson was pictured smiling in his hospital bed with his surgeons and shared an optimistic update on social media. "Surgery done! Let's get ready for the big one Saturday," he posted. "Thank you to all the staff that looked after me at Kansas City Orthopaedic Institute. Especially the three surgeons who carried out the operation."
The injury occurred when Henderson attempted to vault an advertising hoarding. He required oxygen and was stretchered off the pitch, with teammate Dan Burn alerting medical staff to the emergency. His father, Brian Henderson, described the injury as his son having "completely smashed" his left forearm.
"At first I just thought he'd fallen. I thought he'd maybe scraped his wrist," Brian Henderson told the Daily Mail. "I had no idea it was that serious until they were interviewing Harry Kane and a trolley came past with Jordan on it. I could see him on there with oxygen and things."
Henderson is expected to wear a cast, and his father stated that his son would remain with the team for the rest of the tournament despite his playing involvement ending. The veteran midfielder has only played six minutes in the current World Cup but is considered an influential figure in the squad.
England manager Thomas Tuchel described the injury as "really bad" and confirmed Henderson was in the hospital. One of the surgeons involved in Henderson's operation, Dr. Kirk McCullough, reportedly works with NFL stars.
The injury leaves England with fewer midfield options as they prepare to face Norway in the quarter-finals. Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson, and Kobbie Mainoo are the remaining central midfielders, with Mainoo yet to feature in the tournament.
Jude Bellingham, who scored two goals in England's victory over Mexico, commented on Henderson's situation: "He's in a bit of bother, but our medical team have got everything under control."
Henderson is scheduled to be joined by his father and stepmother next week when they travel to the USA.
