Jose Enrique Hopes Knee Injection Will Ease Pain, Enjoys Competition For Playing Time

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Oct 2, 2012

Jose Enrique Hopes Knee Injection Will Ease Pain, Enjoys Competition For Playing TimeJose Enrique has spoken about the problems that have forced him to play through the pain barrier throughout the early stages of this season.

The Spaniard first noticed an injury prior to the Reds’ Barclays Premier League opener against West Brom and revealed how the situation has since prevented him from performing to the best of his ability.

However, the fullback is confident that following a recent injection, he can return to full fitness and stake a claim for a regular role in Brendan Rodgers‘ starting XI.

“I don’t know quite what the problem is but I have been playing with a lot of pain,” he explained. “I had an injection in my knee so hopefully that will settle it down and allow me to find my form again because it is difficult playing with pain.

“It is something behind my knee and I have had to be very careful with it. I’ve been trying to play with it but it is not 100 percent.

“I felt it in training before the opening day of the season at West Brom and since then it has been very bad. Hopefully the injection will sort it out.

“Obviously with a new manager at the club you want to be at your best, but I want to play to help us climb up the table.

“I want to get back as soon as possible.”

Enrique also spoke of his disappointment at the news that Martin Kelly‘s injury will most likely to rule him out until the latter stages of the season.

The 22-year-old suffered an ACL rupture of his right knee during the Reds’ defeat against Manchester United at Anfield in September, and while Enrique knows his absence could provide extra opportunities for a starting berth, the Spaniard is more concerned about his friend’s recovery.

“Martin is a friend and his injury is really bad news for me and for the team,” he said.

“He’s a really good player and he’s had bad injuries before just as he was getting established. It’s hard for him.

“He usually plays right-back so there might be more opportunity for me to play, but more important for me is Martin. When it is an injury to a friend like Martin, football is secondary. I have spoken to him and we are all wishing him well.”

Stewart Downing has filled the left back position for spells during two of the Reds’ UEFA Europa League ties and Enrique insists that, rather than being concerned, he is inspired by the added competition for his position.

“I enjoy the competition for places. I know when I am fit I can play in this team and I want to play,” he said. “I think it’s good for Stewart as well because it’s another place he can play for. It’s good for the squad too if we get injuries.

“I think it’s good for the team when you have players who can play in different positions.”

Photo via Facebook/Hillsborough 1989 – Don’t Ever Forget

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