Liverpool get major injury boost as Jugen Klopp demands goals from his forwards

JON FLANAGAN will re-launch his injury-stalled Liverpool career today and take the first step towards banishing 18-months of torment.

 

Jon Flanagan is back in training after a long lay-off with injury

 

The full-back is scheduled to play for the U21s against Fleetwood Town as he begins his comeback in earnest from a serious knee problem.

Flanagan, who will be 23 on New Year’s Day, has not played for Liverpool since the final day of the 2013-14 season when his performances caught the eye during the club’s title push.

His displays earned him England recognition before the World Cup with Roy Hodgson handing him his first cap as a substitute against Ecuador in a warm-up game in Miami.

 

The popular defender underwent knee surgery back in April and signed a new one-year deal which expires in the summer.

It means Flanagan is fighting for his Anfield future as he enters the final six months of his contract, although Liverpool would be entitled to compensation if an extension cannot be agreed and he leaves.

Right-footed Flanagan played at left-back during Liverpool’s title challenge and if he can return to the levels he showed previously his presence will be a huge boost for Klopp.

Meanwhile, Klopp has urged the likes of Philippe Coutinho, Adam Lallana and Roberto Firmino increase their output and start conjuring more goals and assists for Liverpool.

 

While much of the focus has fallen on Christian Benteke’s start to life at Anfield, the trio have contributed just five goals between them since the German took over. Coutinho has scored four of those, Firmino once and Lallana has yet to open his tally.

“If you don’t have enough goals, you always have to talk and think about how you can bring the others in position to score goals,” said Klopp.

 “It is always about more in these situations. You cannot wait for just one chance and then you will make it. It is not like this. We have to always be in position. We try to improve. We know about this. It is the truth.

“To be more dangerous from all positions is a big target for us.”

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