Liverpool are hopeful that midfielder Emre Can will be fit for their clash with champions Leicester City after the current international break.

The German was forced to withdraw from international duty with a capsular injury in his right foot and will return to Merseyside to receive treatment.

Can missed the Reds' 1-1 Premier League draw with Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday, having sustained the issue in mid-week in the EFL Cup victory over Burton Albion.

Reds positive midfielder can make speedy injury return

Can had to be taken off injured away at Burton. (Picture: Getty Images)
Can had to be taken off injured away at Burton. (Picture: Getty Images)

He met up with Joachim Löw's squad regardless, ahead of ties with Finland and Norway, but the German FA have assessed his injury and decided he should return to Anfield.

But Liverpool remain hopeful that the 22-year-old - who has only started one game so far this season - will recover in time for their first home game of the season against Leicester on September 10.

It is the same ankle which Can damaged last term and forced him to miss six games, with manager Jürgen Klopp admitting the player was "a little bit worried" after going off injured at Burton. 

The German's medical staff will not risk rushing Can back as a result, though Klopp will be keen to have him available given his importance to the midfield.

The Reds' No.23 didn't have a full pre-season, returning late after Germany reached the semi-finals of Euro 2016, which meant he was short of fitness for their first two league games at Arsenal and Burnley, managing only a 20-minute cameo against the former.

Karius also closing in on return 

Karius in training at Melwood. (Picture: Getty Images)
Karius in training at Melwood. (Picture: Getty Images)

There was also positive news on Liverpool goalkeeper Loris Karius on Wednesday after the German successfully had wire support removed from his right hand.

The 23-year-old hasn't featured since breaking a bone in his hand when clashing with Dejan Lovren trying to punch clear a cross in a pre-season clash with Chelsea back in July, but has continued training at Melwood to keep up his fitness.

Karius was seen diving and making saves, though only with one hand, as he moved closer to a return to full training earlier this week as he continues to make a quick recovery.

It is thought that summer signing from Mainz will be out for another three weeks before he can return to first-team action as he looks to challenge Simon Mignolet for the No.1 spot.

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About the author
Charlie Malam
Digital Sports Writer at the Daily Express. First-class Staffordshire University Sports Journalism graduate. Formerly VAVEL UK's Liverpool FC editor and Deputy Editor-in-Chief. Contributor since June 2014.