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Liverpool midfielder Emre Can has admitted he needs to prove himself to manager Jurgen Klopp if he is to regain his place in the team. Can made a return to action after almost a month out with an ankle injury when he appeared as a second-half substitute in Tuesday's 3-0 win at Derby County in the third round of the EFL Cup. The German has only played three times for Liverpool this season due to his injury and a lack of fitness after he arrived to preseason later than others due to his participation at this summer's European Championship. Can now faces a battle to force his way back in to Klopp's starting XI with captain Jordan Henderson, Georginio Wijnaldum and Adam Lallana impressing during his absence. "I am happy to be back and now I have to get my fitness back," Can said. "Of course it was not a good time for me. It was difficult because I came back late to preseason and I was not fit for the start. "I knew before the season I was not fit for the first game so it was normal I didn't play and was on the bench. I played my first game against Burton and I got injured which was a bit unlucky. "Adam, Hendo [Henderson] and Gini [Wijnaldum] have played well together -- you can see by the results and the good football. I saw it as well myself and I was very happy for them. "Every player has to start from zero -- myself as well. Now I am back I want to stay healthy and show myself again when I get game time and also in training." Liverpool made seven changes for the midweek win over the Championship outfit but still went on to cruise to the last 16 of the EFL Cup. Can believes there is stiff competition in every position and is aware that his place in the lineup is not guaranteed. "We've bought very good players and everyone is nearly fit so we have a very strong squad," he added. "If you saw the last few games we were very strong and we have to keep it up. If you play with good players the levels go up, it is normal. "It's not easy but I have to be patient. I try to train hard and if I get game time then I try to play well and then we will see what happens."
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