Reports that Liverpool attacker Jordon Ibe is nearing a return to first team action came as a welcome bit of news for Reds fans getting used to hearing about their players being sidelined through injury or suspension, but if the improving fitness of the 19-year old wasn’t enough to make them smile, Raheem Sterling’s latest comments should be just the ticket.
While his protracted contract saga has yet to be sorted, the newly minted England goal-scorer confirmed that he should be fit in time to face Arsenal next weekend. The winger, who injured his toe in the disappointing loss to Manchester United last weekend, played through the pain to represent the Three Lion’s as they ran out winners against Lithuania in Friday’s Euro-2016 qualifier, but he was given an injection in the troublesome digit immediately following the match.
“Hopefully, yeah. After this injection I’ll see how it goes in the next few days. Hopefully I will be okay for the Arsenal game” said the 20-year old when asked if he’ll be fit enough to square off with the Gunners next weekend. “It had been pre-agreed with the FA and my club to get an injection after the game. I will receive some treatment back at the club and go from there.”
With both Daniel Sturridge and Adam Lallana facing spells on the sidelines, Sterling’s importance to the squad has been cranked up that much more as Liverpool look to secure Champions League football for the second season running. Five points out of fourth place with only eight matches to go, the task looks monumental, but on the back of securing his first competitive goal at the famous Wembley Stadium, he looks primed to push on for the rest of the season. It’s been a long time coming to get my first goal but I’m really happy and hopefully I can continue this with England” he enthused. “Obviously it is good to get a win for England and good to get my first goal. It is a massive win for the team.”
