England midfielder Jordan Henderson has suffered a season-ending injury to his left forearm during celebrations following the team's World Cup victory over Mexico, his father confirmed.
Henderson sustained the injury when he slipped while attempting to vault over an advertising board after England's 3-2 win at the Azteca Stadium. Medical staff attended to him on the pitch, and he was later taken to a hospital in Mexico City. His father, Brian Henderson, revealed that his son had "completely smashed" his forearm and is scheduled to undergo surgery.
"At first I just thought he'd fallen," Brian Henderson told the Daily Mail. "I thought he'd maybe scraped his wrist. 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."
The injury rules Henderson out of the remainder of the World Cup tournament. Despite the setback, the midfielder has expressed a desire to remain with the England squad. Henderson, who has played limited minutes in the tournament, is considered an influential figure in the dressing room.
Manager Thomas Tuchel described the injury as "really bad" and confirmed that Henderson was in the hospital. Team captain Harry Kane initially downplayed the incident, telling the BBC, "Jordan just fell over there. I think he's OK, just something to do with his arm."
Henderson's father indicated that a surgeon experienced in treating NFL players has been lined up for the operation. The midfielder's return to Kansas City was delayed due to a storm but he is expected to travel soon. He is scheduled to meet his father and step-mother, Donna, when they travel to the USA next week.
The injury leaves England with limited midfield options, including Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson, and Kobbie Mainoo, the latter of whom has yet to feature in the tournament. Jude Bellingham, who scored two goals during the victory, acknowledged Henderson's predicament, stating, "He's in a bit of bother, but our medical team have got everything under control."