According to Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool midfielder Thiago Alcantara has returned to full-team training ahead of the Premier League clash with Chelsea.
Liverpool will host Chelsea at Anfield in their return to Premier League action tomorrow night, and nothing short of three points will be expected from the side as they attempt to retain their strong position at the top of the table.
Indeed, Mauricio Pochettino’s side travels to the red side of Merseyside with bags of talent in tow; however, Jurgen Klopp will be hopeful that his team’s imperious league form and outstanding quality going forward will carry them through in front of the home crowd once again.
The Reds have been without several experienced players throughout the campaign, but now the highly anticipated return of one of the most popular players at the club is looking closer to fruition.
Thiago Alcantara has not made a single appearance this season and was last seen on the pitch at the end of April 2023 and has since undergone hip surgery, which has left the former Bayern Munich star in recovery for only a few months short of a year.
Klopp revealed in his pre-match press conference today that Thiago has now returned to full training, but is unlikely to be ready for the clash at Anfield tomorrow night:
“Thiago trained [for the] first time, which was an incredible moment after all the months he couldn’t train at the level he trains,” the German coach claimed.
“But he needs time.”
“A wonderful, wonderful time yesterday.”
When will Thiago return for Liverpool?
After being out for over nine months, it is understandable that Klopp is hesitant to throw Thiago back straight into the starting eleven and will likely instead ease the player back into his role with short cameos in the weeks ahead.
February will be another busy and important month for Liverpool with the Premier League title race getting more serious, an FA Cup fifth round tie and the little matter of the Carabao Cup final at Wembley on the last weekend against Chelsea, so there will be plenty of chances for Thiago to be reintroduced into the system.
In an ideal the world, the midfielder will be fully match fit and available for selection for the Carabao Cup final, however, thanks to a successful summer transfer window, Klopp will not feel under any direct pressure to get Thiago ready as Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister, Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenberch have added quality depth to the centre of the pitch.
With that being said, it will be an exciting prospect to have Thiago back for the business end of the season and a real boost in making Klopp’s final months as Liverpool manager a complete success with multiple trophies.
