Programme notes'Only way to approach this phase of the season is by hitting the ground running'

A busy October for the Reds kicks off with the visit of Brighton & Hove Albion to Anfield today, the first of nine fixtures scheduled for the month.

Henderson, who made his return from injury during the international break with England, is one of a number of players who could be available to Jürgen Klopp for selection once again after a spell on the sidelines.

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In his column in the matchday programme, the captain writes: "It's been almost one month since we last played a Premier League game, so having had an enforced break there is only one way for us to approach the next phase of the season and that is by hitting the ground running.

"That is always easier said than done, of course, especially after our start to the campaign, which was a bit indifferent by our own standards, but it has to be our aim. We need to pick up as many points as possible between now and the World Cup if we want to give ourselves the best possible chance of fulfilling our objectives for the season.

"One of the positives about the break is that it has given some of the lads who are injured the chance to get back on the training ground without having missed as many games as they might have done otherwise, and it was great to see a few of them being put through their paces at the AXA this week.

"As a squad, it stands to reason that we will be stronger the more players we have who are available and firing on all cylinders. Of course, we have to cope when there are injuries because that is part and parcel of football, but ideally you want to be in a situation where the manager is having to work out who he will leave out because as many players as possible are available.

"The demands of this season are unique, though, so there will be challenges and there will be times when, like everyone else, we have a few absences.

"Looking at the fixture list for the next six or seven weeks there isn't too much, if any, breathing space and while there has been a lot said about this situation – including by myself – the key now is for us to embrace it and look to make the most of it.

"That period begins today with the visit of Brighton & Hove Albion to Anfield for a contest that I'm expecting to be every bit as tough as it usually is. I know Brighton have changed managers in the last couple of weeks, but that shouldn't fool anyone into thinking they will be any less of an opponent because that would be a massive mistake."

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