30 January 2024 , 18:42
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Liverpool's Thiago is back in training after a nine-month lay-off due to a hip injury.
The Spaniard, who is out of contract in the summer, hasn't played since April but is in line to make a return. The Reds' next assignment is a game with Chelsea at Anfield, which could come too soon, but Thiago is expected to be out on the pitch sooner rather than later.
Signed from Bayern Munich back in 2020, Thiago has produced some classy performances in the middle of the park and will add more quality to a Liverpool midfield that underwent a major reshuffle back in the summer. The former Barcelona man was one of a few players to remain and his manager is thrilled to have him back in the fold.
Jurgen Klopp said: “Thiago trained for the first time which was an incredible moment after all the months. He needs time but it was a wonderful sign.”
Alexis Mac Allister is due to return against the Blues, but Thiago is poised to wait a little longer. His return is timely though given that the Reds are still in the hunt for four trophies as they look to send Klopp off in the best possible way after his departure was announced last week.
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Liverpool sit top of the Premier League and recently advanced to the Carabao Cup final. They marched into the fifth round of the FA Cup at the weekend and are still in the Europa League with several two-legged affairs to come before they can eye any silverware in Europe.
Thiago has been a long-term injury absentee (Getty Images)Thiago remained at the club in the summer when they chose to wave goodbye to James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita. Jordan Henderson and Fabinho were then sold to Saudi Arabian clubs. Thiago is likely to leave at the end of this season when his contract expires.
He will look to come into a midfield that has a host of faces he won't have played with previously. Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch have all become regulars when fit and will provide Klopp with a host of options as the season goes on.