Liverpool midfielder Thiago Alcantara was spotted taking part in team training at the AXA Training Centre today.
The 31-year-old has missed the last two months of the Reds’ campaign, having succumbed to a hip issue. In his absence Liverpool had briefly improved, before imploded again several times over.
Naby Keita and Stefan Bajcetic have also falling victim to injuries in the meantime. As a result, Jurgen Klopp has been low on midfield options. But with Thiago spotted this afternoon, signs are good that he’ll be back in time to feature against Arsenal on Sunday.
Thiago returns, and not before time
Hopefully that’s the last time we’re missing Thiago this season. Although there have been some good results in his absence, Liverpool are a far better team with him in it.
With ten big games still to go this season, the Reds need everybody they can to push for an unlikely top four place. Starting this Sunday at Anfield.
Whether or not Thiago will be ready for that will be determined over the next couple of days. With three days still to go before the visit of the Gunners, he would appear to have a chance.
That will be a relief to Liverpool fans, who will have been disappointed at their midfield line-ups over the past week. A three of Fabinho, Henderson, Elliott never looked likely to win a trip to Manchester City last Saturday.
Three days later at Chelsea, Fabinho and Henderson went again but were this time joined by Curtis Jones. Again, it didn’t look like a trio capable of winning against the Blues, no matter how out of shape they are.
Stick Thiago in there and things are immediately improved. He may not be the legs Liverpool badly need in the middle of the park but he at least offers them something important when in possession. At his best, he’s an ‘unbelievable’ footballer. Let’s see how he reacts to the next few days. Good to have you back fella!
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