Liverpool defender Joe Gomez has revealed that he has spent much of the summer break looking to get ready for the start of pre-season training.
Towards the end of the last campaign, Gomez picked up an ankle injury which required surgery, leading to the England international missing both the Champions League final and the World Cup.
However, Gomez could feature when Liverpool face Chester FC on Saturday afternoon, and the versatile defender has admitted that he had been desperate to be ready for the start of this month.
The 21-year-old told the club's official website: "I knew I needed to be in to get fit. I know how important it is to be back in on the first day, fit and ready.
"That had to be the main focus, rather than resting. It's tough mentally not getting as much time away but it's worth it in the end to be fit.
"[The injury] was probably timed quite well in terms of getting fit in time for pre-season. We had to push on a bit in the last couple of weeks to make it. But I'm fit now and I feel good."
Gomez made a total of 30 appearances for Liverpool in all competitions last season.
