The Brentford midfielder, who did not feature in Mexico City, jumped over a billboard and fell violently to the floor as he returned to the pitch, footage on social media showed. Teammate Dan Byrne was among those who rushed to his aid. After the player’s awkward landing, Tuchel told the BBC after the game: “It’s not good. It’s not good. So here’s the thing. The right defender got a red card and Jordan just fell and injured his wrist. It looks really bad.”
Tuchel confirmed in a press conference that Henderson was taken to hospital for tests to determine the extent of the problem and whether he needed surgery. The German said: “He has injured his wrist and is in the hospital, but it is quite serious. He is not fit for this night. I don’t know if he will be treated or not.”
Speaking to the BBC shortly after his teammate’s accident, captain Harry Kane insisted: “Yes, Hendo just fell over there. I think he’s OK. There’s something wrong with his arm.”
Before BBC presenter Kelly Cates explained: “Kane said he was perfectly fine, but he fell into a billboard. We think that’s what happened. He appeared to be breathing in oxygen as he was carried off the pitch on a stretcher. We wish Jordan Henderson well.”
Jude Bellingham added of his friend: “He seems a little troubled, but our medical team has everything under control. We don’t want to go into too much detail. We don’t know everything that’s going on. Everyone was there to support him, and it was so beautiful to see.”
A serious injury to Henderson’s wrist or arm would be a blow for Thomas Tuchel’s side. They are already dealing with injuries to Reece James and Jarrell Quansah, with Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka also dealing with nursing issues.
Quansah will miss next weekend’s England quarter-final match against Norway after receiving a red card. Given the nature of the tackle by the defender, who was sent off following a VAR inspection, the FA is unlikely to appeal.
If James is not fit to face Erling Haaland’s side, Ezri Konsa is likely to stand in at right-back. FIFA regulations mean it is impossible to replace Henderson and England will be left with a lack of midfield depth if he is unable to play in North America again.
In a 26-a-side World Cup team, an outfield player can only be substituted if he is injured before the first match is played.
Koby Mainu has yet to play a minute in this competition but could be the first choice in the center of the park behind Declan Rice and Elliott Anderson.
England return to action next Saturday (July 11) against Norway, with a 10pm kick-off for English fans. The Three Lions are two wins away from the World Cup final in New Jersey on Sunday, July 19 at 8 p.m.
