Liverpool have received a big boost ahead of Wednesday night’s late kick-off that see’s them take on an ambitious Newcastle United side.
What’s the latest?
Taking to the pre-match press conference on Tuesday, Jurgen Klopp issued an update on the Reds’ injury situation, amidst a mini-crisis across the squad that has made the boss contemplate pulling a transfer U-turn.
Asked about the fitness of the squad, Klopp said:
“I think Diogo [Jota] can train from Thursday on. Thiago [Alcantara] I think, slightly later. We’ll see. Calvin [Ramsay] is getting closer. Caoimhin Kelleher, I saw walking outside for goalkeeper training. So there is light at the end of the tunnel, definitely.”
Klopp will be delighted
The statement that Klopp ended on rings entirely true; there is light at the end of the tunnel.
Klopp’s update including Diogo Jota and Thiago Alcantara impending return to training bodes entirely well for the side and the additional options will have him delighted in his time of need.
The quality that the duo offer is almost unquantifiable. Particularly for the latter in Thiago, who is creates balance in the engine room through his ability in possession.
But, whilst the 31-year-old’s return to training will come slightly later, Jota’s return is much further along. It goes without saying that the return of a figure who was Liverpool’s third-highest Premier League goalscorer last season will come as a major boost for the side who will be looking to rotate within the coming weeks due to Champions League football commitments.
It’s easy to overlook the fact that Jota ended the last Premier League season just one goal behind Sadio Mane who struck 16 goals before departing for Bayern Munich.
Whilst the return of Liverpool’s most accurate passer of the ball last season, in Thiago, will come as a major boost also – with the Spaniard averaging around 78.4 accurate passes per 90 in what is a squad topping metric.
His range of passing creates sustainability throughout attacking transitions, and his presence has been sorely missed this season.
It goes without saying that the return of the duo will uplift Klopp and co, and although they will not feature in tonight’s clash, they should be available within the coming weeks.
