Danny Ings has been named in the starting lineup for Liverpool’s U23s clash with Sunderland as he takes another step towards a full return.
The striker only recently reintegrated with the first team squad having missed much of last season with his second knee injury in two seasons with the club.
Just as he did following his recovery from the first knee problem, he will continue to make progress in the U23s to give himself the best chance of rediscovering his top form and eventually breaking back into Jurgen Klopp’s senior squad.
His stint in Liverpool’s second-string side last season proved to be valuable step and one that gives him a great opportunity to build some confidence and that, crucially, keeps him in full view of his manager.
📋 Today’s #LFCU23s line-up to face Sunderland… pic.twitter.com/kZp26Motsk
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) August 20, 2017
Another player on the road to recovery is young forward Rhian Brewster, who has a place on the bench after being cruelly sidelined throughout the whole of pre-season with injury.
After losing with England in May’s Euro U17 final, he now faces his first full season with the U23s and will undoubtedly be eyeing up the chance to make another good impression in the hope of making a surprise breakthrough into the first team.
Other notable inclusions in the starting lineup are Ben Woodburn and Marko Grujic, who both featured heavily under Klopp during pre-season and will be keen to make further strides in 2017/2018.
Ovie Ejaria also starts, looking to follow up a bright campaign in which he not only made a handful of first team appearances but also played a part in England’s U20 World Cup win.
He lines up alongside winger Ryan Kent who, despite being linked with another loan move, caught the eye in pre-season with a series of standout performances.
A seriously strong U23s team.
SEE MORE:
5 talking points from Liverpool’s win over Crystal Palace- magical Mane & a star debutante