Henderson channels inner AJ as he throws punches in tough pre-season training

The Liverpool captain is doing everything he can to make sure he is fighting fit ahead of the new campaign, which for the Reds begins on August 13.

And that means no rest days as he took to pre-season training hard while some players are still on their holidays.

Henderson has already been spotted putting in the extra miles on the training pitch as he keeps himself in shape.

His latest social media post has seen him swap running for boxing, though, and he looks in remarkable condition.

Channelling his inner AJ, the 33-year-old was doused in sweat as he landed punches on a punching bag in a series of pictures uploaded onto Instagram.

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One pic also showed him using a skipping rope, as many boxers do in preparation for a big fight - something Joshua will know all about as his mega-fight against Dillian Whyte was confirmed on Thursday.

Captioning the post, the England international wrote: "Summer h̶o̶l̶i̶d̶a̶y̶ camp."

It follows his recent posts showing off his ripped physique as he put himself through the paces in basking sunshine.

As well as practising with the ball, the former Sunderland star powered through some sprints while also carrying out some core and bodyweight exercises.

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Henderson has been with Liverpool for 12 years and has played 492 times for the club, winning every prize including the Champions League and Premier League.

But there are question marks over his effectiveness in midfield after a tough season last term.

Liverpool were frequently overrun in midfield, an area where Jurgen Klopp's side have usually always looked more energetic.

However, Henderson appears to have survived a midfield cull that has seen Naby Keita, James Milner and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain depart.

Alexis Mac Allister has joined while Dominik Szoboszlai has also arrived, though the Hungarian is seen more of a forward rather than a central midfielder.

It means that Liverpool are still likely to bring in a more defensive-minded player with links to Southampton star Romeo Lavia and Borussia Monchengladbach ace Manu Kone.

But Henderson is out to prove that he can still be relied on, hence the extreme fitness regimes.

The Reds were not at their best last season as they toiled for sections of the campaign in the Premier League.

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Nevertheless, they rallied for a late push for a spot in the top four but ultimately came up short as Newcastle and Manchester United pipped them to Champions League football.

It means that Liverpool will play in the Europa League next season for the first time since losing the 2016 final against Sevilla.