Report: Liverpool's Karius targeting September return
Liverpool shot-stopper Loris Karius is looking to return ahead of schedule after the summer signing broke his hand during a preseason tuneup against Chelsea in the United States three weeks ago.
Karius, 23, was initially expected to miss 8-10 weeks after undergoing surgery, but he may be able to return after the international break in mid-September, according to James Pearce of the Liverpool Echo.
The German, who joined Liverpool from Mainz for a modest £4.7-million fee, will have a wire removed from his injured hand in two weeks, which will allow him to start catching and stopping shots again. Pearce describes Reds medical staff as "delighted" with Karius' recovery so far.
The former Manchester City youth player suffered the injury as he came out to meet a cross in the first half of the exhibition at the Rose Bowl. Karius failed to make contact with the ball, punching teammate Dejan Lovren in the head instead.
Upon return to first-team duties, Karius is expected to challenge Belgian international Simon Mignolet for the starting spot in Jurgen Klopp's squad.