Re: Liverpool Thread
NEW Liverpool signing Philipp Degen is facing the prospect of missing the start of the season with a groin strain.
Degen could require surgery on the injury, which was sustained during the team’s pre-season training camp in Switzerland last week.
The right-back, who arrived on a free transfer from Borussia Dortmund in the summer, missed much of last season with a groin problem.
Degen required an operation to repair the damage but, despite his efforts to regain his full fitness, he failed to get off the bench for Switzerland during last month’s European Championships.
The 25-year-old’s absence would be another setback to Rafael Benitez, who is already without Beijing-bound trio Lucas Leiva, Ryan Babel and Javier Mascherano for the opening weeks of the campaign.
Story continues Continue story
ADVERTISEMENT
And with Alvaro Arbeloa’s Anfield future uncertain, it could persuade Benitez into keeping hold of Steve Finnan.
One player Benitez is confident of being available is Robbie Keane, with the striker’s move to Liverpool expected to move another step nearer when he undergoes a medical today.
The Anfield outfit are hopeful of pushing through a deal that could ultimately be worth £20m for the Tottenham Hotspur forward.