Who do Liverpool need to sign to retain the title? Keep up with all the Reds news with our free daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Jordan Henderson will still play a crucial role in Liverpool’s title challenge... despite the three-match suspension that has left the midfielder heartbroken.

That’s the message from the Reds' manager Brendan Rodgers, who believes the England international’s influence on his squad extends well beyond his stirring exploits on the pitch this season.

Henderson is so vital to his team’s title challenge that he will continue to travel with the squad and take part in all their preparations for matches, even though he is suspended for the matches that could decide the Premier League destiny.

The 23-year-old sits out Sunday's visit to Norwich, the following weekend's potential title-decider at home to Chelsea and the trip to Crystal Palace on May 5. He'll be eligible for the season finale, at home to Newcastle.

“Yes it was heartbreaking, considering the season he’s had,” Rodgers said of the red card the midfielder picked up in the final moments of the monumental defeat of Manchester City.

“But okay, even though we’ll lose him on the field we can’t lose his personality off the field as well which is why he’ll still travel and be a part of what we’re doing.

“Jordan will still travel with the team. I’ve told him he’s a vital member of the group and he might not be able to effect the next three games on the field but he’s going to be very important for our changing room, our travelling and our hotels because he’s very much a part of us.”

Rodgers thinks the red card, while within the letter of the law because the challenge on Samir Nasri was off the ground with studs showing, was devastatingly harsh on the player who has contributed so much to Liverpool’s title challenge.

The challenge was bad, but there was no malice, he feels.

"He’s such an honest guy and he actually got the ball first," added Rodgers. “But we’ve spoken about it and he understands the reasons why he got sent off which was really unfortunate.”

poll loading Who will win the Premier League title? 24000+ VOTES SO FAR Liverpool Chelsea Manchester City

Liverpool are also likely to be without Daniel Sturridge - through injury - at Carrow Road, but rather than dwell on the problems the absences will create, Rodgers spoke of the agonies he usually must go through in leaving so many players out.

“The players coming in will be fine. They’ve been preparing and it will be testament to their professionalism,” he said.

“I’ve said all along that the hardest part of my job is seeing 21 players being absolutely brilliant for me in training every day, the work and intensity that they put in and their professionalism is incredible, but I can only start 11 of them and pick a squad of 18.

“But I’ve said to them all along that the reasons why you stay professional and keep super fit is that your chance will come and however it may come you’ve got to be ready.”