Emre Can ready to 'start from zero' to earn place in Liverpool's starting XI

Emre Can is aware that he must "start from zero" to force his way back into the Liverpool starting XI after missing the last four weeks with an ankle injury. The German midfielder made his first appearance in almost a month as a second-half substitute during the Reds' convincing win over Derby County in the third round of the EFL Cup.

The former Bayer Leverkusen midfielder made 49 appearances in all competitions last season and will be hoping to have a regular role again this time around. However, Can has so far played just 20 minutes of Premier League football owing to injury and competition for places.

The Germany international returned to pre-season training later than the rest of the squad due to his involvement with the national team at Euro 2016. He played against Arsenal in the opening game of the season following which he sustained an ankle injury in the EFL Cup clash against Burton Albion, which saw him sidelined for around a month.

Adam Lallana, Jordan Henderson and Geoginio Wijnaldum have been Klopp's favoured midfield combination in recent games, and it looks unlikely to change in the coming weeks. Can is aware that he needs to maintain his fitness and be ready to impress the manager with every opportunity he is offered.

"We bought very good players and everyone is nearly fit and we have a strong squad," Can was quoted as saying on Liverpool's official site.

"If you saw the last few games, we were very strong and we have to keep it up. If you play with good players the levels go up, it is normal.

"Every player has to start from zero – and myself as well. Now I am fit, if I get game time I want to show myself again and also in training. It's not easy but I have to be patient. I try to train hard and if I get game time then I try to play well and then we will see what happens," the German midfielder explained.

"Adam, Hendo and Gini have played well together and you can see by the results and the good football – I saw it as well myself as I play with them in the team and I was very happy for them."