Kenny Dalglish’s new signing Charlie Adam is ready to step in to fill the void in midfield caused by the injury to Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard.
The Scotland international told the club’s website he was ready for the challenge of making an early impact on Liverpool’s crowded midfield.
“I can’t wait to get started ... Liverpool have many talented midfielders but I think the competition for places will be good for the club. I thrive on that type of challenge and I’m sure the other lads will as well.
“I want to learn and there are some of the best players in the world at this club, so if I can learn from them I am going to improve as a player. That is my aim.”
Liverpool’s hopes of making a strong start in their effort to regain a Champions League place next season were set back after Gerrard was ruled out until September due to an infection related to his groin injury.
Liverpool’s captain has not played since the 3-1 win over Manchester United at Anfield on March 6 March, but had been expected to recover in time for the club’s first Premier League game.
However, the club have revealed that Gerrard is now undergoing a course of antibiotic treatment in hospital, where he will remain “for several days”.
Gerrard will miss at least three Premier League matches – against Sunderland, Arsenal and Bolton Wanderers – plus England’s friendly against Holland on August 10. His participation in the Euro 2012 qualifiers against Bulgaria and Wales, on September 2 and 6 respectively, must also be in serious doubt, according to ‘The Guardian’.
The news is a blow to Dalglish, who is about to embark on his first full season as manager since his return, and will put more focus on his summer signing from Blackpool, Adam.
However, Liverpool’s disappointment over Gerrard will be partially offset by the news that José Reina is ready to return after hernia surgery.
The Spain international goalkeeper has not featured during pre-season after an operation but expects to play against Valerenga on Monday as Liverpool look for a confidence boosting win following last week’s 3-0 defeat by Galatasaray.
Reina said: “The target is to play in Valerenga, and then after Valencia there is one more week (until the new season) and that should be good enough to get that fitness. Just because of precaution, we didn’t want to rush it. There was no point in doing that. But I’m totally recovered now, training with the team as normal and looking forward.”