Livermore - Not the same after injury

[Wilka]

Livermore on Way Back
Posted on: Wed 07 Jan 2009
By Tim Dudding


David Livermore is set to return to full training after recovering from a knee injury.

The 28-year-old, who was beginning to cement a regular first team place when the injury struck in mid-November, needed surgery after damaging knee cartilage.

The former tough-tackling midfielder has now completed his rehabilitation, and would have returned to training already, but the Albion squad's preparations have been hampered this week by frozen pitches at the training ground.

Albion physio Malcolm Stuart said, "David has progressed exceptionally well since his surgery, but ground conditions meant we haven't been able to put him back into training.

"Once the pitches soften up a bit we will put him back in with the rest of the squad."

First year pro Sam Gargan, who has been in the treatment room with an ankle problem, is also poised to return once the surfaces thaw out.

Meanwhile, Michel Kuipers is expected to be back in contention in two weeks. The big Dutchman is joining in with the rest of the keepers for all non-handling drills.

However, Colin Hawkins has had to step back his rehabilitation from a calf injury, but is still expected to resume training next week.

Gary Hart will see a specialist today as he looks to step up his recovery from knee surgery, and the midfielder is hoping to be back in training at the start of February.

Good news that he's on his way back but a shame he is no longer tough tackling. Hopefully he will get a good run in the side this time. He is clearly a better option than El-Abd, Fraser and Virgo as a defensive midfielder.