Goalkeeper Loris Karius 'good to go' as Liverpool debut draws closer

Liverpool goalkeeper Loris Karius is unperturbed by the prospect of having to adapt to the rigours of the Premier League after taking a giant step towards making his debut for the Anfield club. The German stopper suffered a broken hand in preseason, forcing him to wait to take his bow for his new club since joining from Mainz during the summer transfer window.

The 23-year-old was ruled out for between six and 10 weeks after suffering the blow in a preseason friendly against Chelsea, having started the club's first five summer fixtures.

Karius underwent surgery to fix the break and had the wire which was inserted during the operation removed last week, as he ratcheted up his recuperation.

Karius has this week returned to Liverpool training and is in the final steps of his recovery as he hones in on making his debut for his new club. Though it is unlikely that the former Germany Under-21 international will make his debut against Leicester City upon the Premier League resuming after the international break he admits he is raring to go and needs no extra time to prepare.

"I don't think so because I have always tried to see where I can help the teams I've played at before and where I can make the play quicker when it's needed or when to calm it down," he told the official Liverpool website. "Probably the reason I am here is because the manager thinks I'll fit into the style of play. Of course, he tells me his ideas and I don't think we're far off, so I think I'm good!

"I've also seen a lot of the Premier League before – it's a high level, but I think it's the same in Germany so I don't think I am going to be surprised about anything. I am well prepared and looking forward to it, so there's nothing I am scared of or unsure of. I think I am good to go."

Though Karius is naturally frustrated by the injury which has delayed his Liverpool bow, he is happy to allow manager Jurgen Klopp to dictate when his first team debut will come. Simon Mignolet has begun the season in Karius' absence, but it is yet to be seen if the Belgian will retain his place.

"Competition is always good for the team," he added. "The manager needs to find 11 players and we have great players in every position – probably two for each position. That's how it is. Goalkeeper-wise, the three of us get on really well. In training, of course we know we are in competition, but we have a good relationship and there's a good harmony between us."

The news that Karius is ready to return in the near future follows reports Sadio Mane will be fit to face Leicester, despite picking up a knee injury while on international duty. The Liverpool Echo understands the Senegal international will be available this weekend despite him being substituted in the second half of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifying win over Namibia.