Liverpool midfielder Emre Can is set to be out of first team action for four to six weeks due to an ankle injury. The injury was sustained in the Europa League quarter-final second-leg match against Borussia Dortmund.
The 22-year-old midfielder was substituted in the closing stages of the match and the star has reportedly injured his ligaments. Liverpool did end up winning the match 4-3 after being down 3-1 on in what was a thrilling encounter.
While a return to action before the end of the season has not been ruled out, it is expected that the German midfielder will miss out on the rest of the season.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp spoke about Can’s injury and stated, "Emre is injured. He will take time. It'll be for the next four or five weeks so we should not say the season is finished."
Emre Can adds to Liverpool’s injury woes this season. They have suffered an alarming 42 injuries this season as Can joins club captain Jordan Henderson, who is also set to be out of action till the end of the season with damaged knee ligaments.
Injuries to both midfielders has left Jurgen Klopp with few options in central midfield. Lucas Leiva and Irish midfielder Joe Allen could fill in the gaps created by the absence of players. Jurgen Klopp has experimented with two and three players in midfield of late and some tactical tinkering might be required to deal with this issue
New fitness coach from next season
Liverpool have signed Bayern Munich’s fitness and conditioning coach Andreas Kornmayer for next season to deal with the rising number of injuries. Kornmayer has spent a decade of his career at Bayern Munich under coaches like Louis van Gaal, Pep Guardiola and Jupp Heynckes.
It is hoped that Kornmayer will help the players adapt better to Jurgen Klopp’s geggenpressing philosophy. Geggenpressing places huge physical demands on players and their bodies. They are required to commit themselves to the cause of the team and run themselves to the ground.
The 22-year-old had been in good form since Klopp’s arrival at the club in October. His injury will be a big blow to Liverpool’s hopes of winning the Europa League this season.
Emre Can signed for Liverpool from Bayer Leverkusen in the 2014-2015 transfer window. He has made 49 appearances for the Reds this season and scored a couple of goals for the side in all competitions.
