Loris Karius: Injured Goalkeeper Eyes A Return To The First Team

After the news broke yesterday about Liverpool goalkeeper, Loris Karius, having the wire support removed from his right hand, the young German shot stopper speaks about staying fit and his readiness to return to full training. Karius was initially looking at an eight to ten week span out of action but the doctors have been happy with Loris’ progress and his swiftly-healing bones.

“I’ve been working a lot in the gym on my legs,” said Karius. “I obviously couldn’t do much upper body stuff because of my hand so I’ve done a lot of lower strength.”

It hasn’t been all indoor playtime in the gym for Karius, though. The ex-Mainz keeper has been spending plenty of time outside during his forced break, training with goalkeeping coach John Achterberg.

“I’ve been outside every day with the team,” he said, “and have done a lot of fitness work, foot work and making some saves with my left hand. My fitness level is where it should be.

“We did a lot of kicking with John Achterberg so I feel really good. I don’t really think I am going to need a long time to be back on my best level.

“I’ll need to see how it is when I am in full training next week so we’ll see, but I don’t think it’s going to be long now.”

It’s possible that Karius will be fit enough for the bench following the match against Leicester City next Saturday. And that time frame will certainly be a goal for the 23-year-old footballer who came into the club with enthusiasm and a real expectation for the first team. Loris will, presumably, take over from Simon Mignolet as soon as he’s raring to go.

“Now, I am in the last stages, I just want to feel good and confident about it. I am not going to rush it because of two or three days, but if I feel good then maybe I will be back way sooner than expected.”