Liverpool striker Danny Ings is probably one of the unluckiest strikers in the entire English Premier League. After missing two seasons because of injuries, the youngster is taking a long-term approach to get back to full fitness and form.
The 25-year-old ex-Burnley striker missed the majority of the 2015/16 season after rupturing his Anterior Cruciate Ligament. Even last season was a complete washout for the striker after he picked up a serious knee injury. But, Ings rejoined the squad midway through the pre-season and has made his first appearance since injury for the Liverpool Under-23s on Friday night at Swansea City which saw the Reds win 2-0.
Ings scored the opener against Swansea and looked as sharp as ever in front of the goal. After going through intensive rehabilitation in the summer, the striker believes that he is quickly catching up on full fitness.
After joining from Burnley in 2015, he has made just six league appearances for the club. Speaking to LiverpoolFC.com, Ings expressed satisfaction at being back in action after a long layoff.
“I feel good. It feels a lot different to last time—the rehab felt like it went a lot quicker. Even though it was actually longer, mentally it felt like it passed quicker.
“I worked all the way through the summer when the lads were off, apart from a week’s break, so I feel I caught up quite a lot in that time. That’s given me the opportunity to be back with the lads a bit earlier than expected, so I’m happy.
“I don’t think there is a set time on when I actually get back out onto the pitch, it’s just a day-by-day situation, which is normal after such a long period of time out.
He also admitted that he felt very emotional watching a video of his teammates and club staff recording a message of support after his second major injury. Apparently, the club manager Jurgen Klopp had asked for a camera to be placed on the ground so that the players and staff could record a personalised message for the striker.
“It’s my first few weeks back with the team, but it’s good that I am hitting those levels and training with the lads as much and as frequently as I am. It was another step forward.”
“To have a video like that from all of the players, the staff and even the canteen ladies, it just shows what this club is about and how supportive people are here.”
Ings did not feature in any of the Reds’ summer friendlies as Jurgen Klopp was eager to give him additional time to recover. When he joined the Reds in 2015, Ings was viewed as one of the signings of the season.
However, successive injuries have hampered his Liverpool career leading to frustration among fans and management alike. There never was any negativity from the fans though and Ings is keen to repay their faith with performances on the pitch.
There was never a doubt about Ings’ ability and looking at the way he scored against Swansea on Friday night featuring for the Under-23s, he appears to be heading in the right direction.
What do you think? Will Ings’ return be like a new signing for Klopp?
