Emre Can has revealed that it has been tough for him to watch Liverpool from the sidelines while out with an ankle injury.
The German picked up an ankle injury in Liverpool’s second round EFL Cup tie against Burton Albion a few weeks ago. He made his first appearance for the club since against Derby County in the third round of the same competition Tuesday, but he has been frustrated at being unable to play.
Sitting on the sidelines and watching his team pick the likes of Chelsea and Leicester apart without him has been difficult for Can. The German international, who featured for his nation at the Euros in France, was pivotal in Liverpool’s emotional journey to the Europa League final last season.
His importance to Jurgen Klopp’s team was highlighted by the fact that, despite injuring ankle ligaments in the first leg against Borussia Dortmund, recurring injury perhaps(?), he returned miraculously for the second leg and put in his best performance in a red shirt.
According to the Guardian, Can said, “It’s not easy but I have to be patient. I try to train hard and if I get game time then I try to play well and then we will see what happens.
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“I am happy to be back and now I have to get my fitness back and then I am looking forward to the season. Of course, it was not a good time for me. It was difficult because I came back late to pre-season and I was not fit for the start of the season and then I got the injury and then it was difficult for me. Now I am back I want to stay healthy and get my fitness back.
“It was difficult because I came back late to pre-season and I was not fit for the start of the season and then I got the injury and then it was difficult for me. Now I am back I want to stay healthy and get my fitness back.”
Can will struggle to find a way back into Klopp’s Premier League squad with his favoured midfield of Henderson, Lallana and Wijnaldum in fine fettle. The trio was particularly impressive in policing Chelsea’s creative talents on Friday at Stamford Bridge.
“They have done it very well,” acknowledged Can. “Adam, Hendo and Gini have played well together and you can see by the results and the good football – I saw it as well myself as I play with them in the team and I was very happy for them.
“We bought very good players and we have a strong squad. If you saw the last few games we were very strong and we have to keep it up. If you play with good players the levels go up, it is normal.”
While Liverpool’s midfield trio of Hendo, Lallana and Wijnaldum has been in good form there is every chance that Klopp could decide to bring Can in for the defensive stability he offers the same can be said of Loris Karius. The German duo may well start against Hull City, but there is just as much chance they won’t.
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