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Bad news for Jon Flanagan -who hasn't played since July - as he will continue his spell on the sidelines for at least the next two months due to his left knee injury. Flanagan has undergone surgery on the troubling knee after it failed to show sufficent signs of recovery. This is hard news for Liverpool who were expecting to return its young, home-grown fullback to training later this month. It is even harder news for Flanagan who had done so well in the second half of last season to break into the first team, and was on the verge of negotiating a contract extension.
Of course, Liverpool's fullback situation has improved significantly since last season, the young Spanish M&M pair of Alberto Moreno and Javier Manquillo have both had great starts to the 2014-2015 season and were arguably the best two players against Ludogorets on Tuesday. Liverpool might well have its starting fullback pair for the next decade. Furthermore, Jose Enrique and Glen Johnson provide quality depth and rotational ability for Brendan Rodgers.This allows Flanagan to take his time in recovery, there is no need to rush him back.
Still Jon Flanagan is a valuable member of the fullback rotation and is could help allow Rodgers and Ian Ayre the option to allow Johnson to leave over the summer or even sell him in winter in order to open up payroll space to pay for impending raises due to the young, talented core that makes up this Liverpool squad. Plus, as a local kid, he is incredibly easy to root for.
Get well soon, Flanno.