Pedro Chirivella vs. Tranmere Rovers. Credit: Propaganda

Liverpool midfielder Pedro Chirivella returns to training following quad injury

Pedro Chirivella has stepped up his recovery from a quad injury that kept the young Liverpool midfielder out for much of pre-season.

The Spaniard only featured in one of the Reds’ summer warmup games, playing the second half of July’s 1-0 win away to Tranmere Rovers, before he was sidelined.

This left Chirivella out of the remaining eight pre-season fixtures, while he was absent from Jurgen Klopp‘s squad for the tour of the US, despite the injured Joe Gomez, Mamadou Sakho and Lucas Leiva all being included.

Speculation had mounted over Chirivella’s future, particularly with no confirmation of his injury, but the Liverpool Echo‘s James Pearce has now detailed his recovery.

Chirivella suffered a quad injury in the early stages of pre-season, but has now been “given the green light” to take part in light training.

This is likely to be alongside the first team at Melwood, though he should feature heavily for Michael Beale’s U23s side in 2016/17.

The 19-year-old has a bright future on Merseyside, but faces strong competition in Klopp’s midfield ranks, particularly following the addition of Georginio Wijnaldum in a £25 million deal with Newcastle United.

Adam Lallana also looks set to be utilised as a central midfielder this season, while Emre Can, Jordan Henderson, Marko Grujic and Kevin Stewart will all be regular options along with Lucas.

FLEETWOOD, ENGLAND - Wednesday, July 13, 2016: Liverpool's Cameron Brannagan in action against Fleetwood Town during a friendly match at Highbury Stadium. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Chirivella’s fellow academy prospect Cameron Brannagan has been linked with a loan move to Wigan Athletic, and the youngster could even follow him out on a temporary deal.

Brannagan’s move is yet to be confirmed, however, with the playmaker joining Klopp’s squad for training on Tuesday.

Seventeen-year-old Polish goalkeeper Kamil Grabara was also present at Melwood, as well as peripheral figures Christian Benteke, Lazar Markovic and Andre Wisdom.

Loris Karius joined Klopp’s stoppers for fitness work, but is still recovering from a broken hand, while James Milner and Daniel Sturridge have made their return after ankle and hip problems respectively.

However, Sheyi Ojo has joined Karius, Lucas, Sakho, Gomez and Ovie Ejaria as the latest Liverpool player to be sidelined.



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