"?Liverpool fans may be able to see new man Loris Karius in competitive action sooner than first expected, as the German eyes a return to full training next week - according to the "?Liverpool Echo.
The £4.7m man from Mainz in Germany missed the start of the season due to a broken hand sustained against Chelsea in pre-season in July. It was originally thought the German would miss eight to 10 weeks of action, but looks to be ready to return after half of that time - in just five weeks.
Karius had the wire removed from his right hand on Wednesday with the medical staff very happy with the healing of the bone. Karius spoke out following the removal of the wire, stating he was looking forward to be back in action, but he will not rush his recovery.
"Now the fracture has healed hopefully I can start training now and build it up,"? Karius said. "I just need to see how it feels. But I can now start using my hands and catch balls. It's up to me now.
"We're ahead of schedule because in total it's been about five weeks I think. But I don't want to rush it too much. Now I am in the last stages, I just want to feel good and confident about it. I am not going to rush it because of two or three days but if I feel good then maybe I will be back way sooner than expected."?
Liverpool welcome the Premier League champions to Anfield next Saturday, which is probably too soon for Karius, but the German should be available for selection after that.
Liverpool lacked competition in the goalkeeping department last season, so if Simon Mignolet is to remain the number one, he will have to stay on his toes with Karius watching on.