Already missing Liverpool‘s two latest matches due to a calf injury, Jamie Carrager, is working hard to get fit again during the current international break, so he can be available for the Reds as soon as possible.
Carragher revealed that this week he still needs to work with the physios but the veteran defender is hoping that he can get back to normal training next weekend so he can be available for Pool’s next match against Chelsea.
Moreover, Carragher also stated that there’s actually a small chance that he could be back for last weekend’s match against Swansea, but he and the medical staff decided not to risk anything especially since there will be a two weeks break due to International week. The veteran center back added that if he still isn’t 100% when Liverpool travel to Chelsea, he most likely won’t be forcing himself as getting fully fit is Carra’s main target at the moment.
“It’s the first time I’ve ever had a muscle injury in my life but I’m coming along fine. I’m working with the physios this week and if things continue to go well the plan is to get back into full training at the start of next week. It was always going to be tight to be fit for the Swansea game last weekend and with a two-week break after that match there was no point doing anything silly,” Carragher said to Liverpool’s official site. “It’s important to ensure I get it 100 per cent right. Hopefully I’ll be available for the Chelsea game but I’m not thinking about games at this stage. My first target is just getting back on the training pitch with the lads and that should happen early next week.”
The Reds are currently sitting at sixth position with 19 points, but they have been rather inconsistent recently as they only managed to get a draw against Swansea in previous weekend, a result which worried their chance on finishing at top four. Obviously Carragher’s return could very well motivate the team’s performance especially in an important match such as against the Blues, which they successfully beaten last season.
Acting as the club’s vice captain after Steven Gerrard, Carragher’s presence is still important for Liverpool’s back line as the center back’s experience in commanding the back line often provides more security for the team. Considering the fact that Gerrard is also facing another injury at the moment, obviously Carragher’s return would be much appreciated by the players, who could use a leading command on the pitch especially against Chelsea.
photo credit: Nigel Wilson
