Jordon Ibe has suffered an unfortunate setback in the early stages of his Liverpool career, with manager Brendan Rodgers confirming that an injury picked up in Thursday's Europa League exit to Besiktas will keep the youngster out for around a month. Ibe was feeling pain in his knee, and a resulting scan has shown that he has picked up lateral collateral ligament damage.
Ibe missed yesterday's 2-1 victory over Manchester City, and will now be out for what looks like Liverpool's next four games. These games are Burnley, Blackburn, Swansea and then a crunch Premier League clash against Manchester United on March 21st at Anfield. It is hopeful that the 19 year old will be back for another crucial game, the trip to Arsenal a week after the United clash.
The news comes as a blow to both Ibe and Liverpool just as the winger was impressing and gaining valuable experience following his recall from a loan at Derby County in January. Ibe produced a man of the match performance against Everton in his first game back, before following it up with very strong performances against Tottenham, Besiktas and Southampton.
There is good injury news for Liverpool however, with full-back Jon Flanagan set to finally return to first team training this week after a long term knee injury. Flanagan hasn't played this season, and captain Steven Gerrard will join him in his comeback. Gerrard is on the way back from a hamstring injury and is expected to be in the squad for the weekend's FA Cup game against Blackburn Rovers.