Emre Can opens up about return from injury for Liverpool against Derby

Posted Thursday, September 22, 2016 by Express.co.uk

Emre Can opens up about return from injury for Liverpool against Derby
Liverpool midfielder Emre Can after returning from injury at Derby: I have to show myself again

EMRE CAN accepts he is starting from "zero" as he looks to move on from a disrupted start to the season and force his way back into Liverpool's midfield.

The German made a welcome reappearance as a second-half substitute in the 3-0 EFL Cup success over Derby on Tuesday after a month out with an ankle injury sustained in the previous round against Burton.

Can's absence aggravated what was already a difficult start to the campaign with his country's push to the semi-finals of Euro 2016 meaning he returned to pre-season training late.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has favoured a midfield of captain Jordan Henderson, Georginio Wijnaldum and Adam Lallana and the triumvirate has flourished.

It leaves Can, who emerged as one of the most influential players of last season, facing a battle to regain a foot-hold.

"Every player has to start from zero and myself as well," said Can, who replaced Henderson in the 57th minute at the iPro Stadium.

"The midfield has done very well. Adam, Hendo and Gini have played well together and you can see by the results and the good football.

"We bought very good players and everyone is nearly fit 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.

"I have to show myself again.

"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."