Rehabilitation and Preparation: Ben Doak Returns to Training Ahead of Liverpool’s Pre-Season
As Liverpool prepares for their upcoming pre-season under Arne Slot, one player who has already returned to training is Ben Doak. The young midfielder was initially expected to join the team late due to his inclusion in the Scotland squad for Euro 2024. However, a recent injury prevented him from participating in the tournament, prompting him to focus on rehabilitation and making an impact in Slot’s first pre-season.
To aid his recovery, Doak has been working with personal trainer Jack Haggerty of Empire Performance Coaching in Glasgow. The duo has been focusing on ball work to ensure Doak is ready for the intense training that awaits him. Haggerty shared his excitement about the progress, stating on Empire Performance Elite’s official Instagram page, “After a setback, we are back to work for a big two weeks before Liverpool pre-season with client Ben Doak.”
Doak’s injury has kept him out of football since December when he underwent knee surgery. He was unable to participate in Scotland’s warm-up friendlies for the Euros, missing out on valuable playing time. However, this setback might actually benefit him as Liverpool’s pre-season is set to start in July. With a fresh start under Slot, Doak has the opportunity to hit the ground running and quickly acclimate to the team’s style of play.
Slot will begin pre-season training with a smaller group due to many key players participating in the Euros or Copa America. However, players like Mohamed Salah, Curtis Jones, Harvey Elliott, and Jarell Quansah are expected to be among the first to return, along with Doak. Other players such as Wataru Endo, Kostas Tsimikas, Caoimhin Kelleher, Conor Bradley, Stefan Bajcetic, Bobby Clark, Nat Phillips, James McConnell, Kaide Gordon, and Jayden Danns will also be involved.
Doak’s impact during the previous pre-season cannot be overlooked. He featured in all five friendlies, playing a total of 180 minutes and even scoring a goal against Leicester. Although his season was cut short due to an LCL injury in a clash with Chelsea U21s, he showed great promise and potential. Now, with the chance to continue his development during pre-season, Doak can aim to secure a more prominent role within the team.
Doak is not the only young Liverpool player seeking additional training during the break. Calum Scanlon and Isaac Mabaya have been working with SPS Performance in Dubai, while Carter Pinnington, a 17-year-old centre-back, has headed to Portugal’s popular Campus complex. These players are determined to make the most of their opportunities and improve their skills while waiting for key players like Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, and Joe Gomez to return.
As Liverpool’s pre-season approaches, excitement builds not only for the return of established stars but also for the potential growth of young talents like Ben Doak. With expert training and a dedicated mindset, these players have the chance to prove their worth and make an impact on the team under the guidance of Arne Slot. Liverpool fans eagerly await the start of pre-season, hopeful for the emergence of new stars and a successful campaign ahead.