Liverpool FC News Recap: Positive injury updates, Salah's return date & more Alonso talk

Jurgen Klopp has confirmed that Dominik Szoboszlai and Darwin Nunez have returned to full first-team training ahead of Liverpool's clash with Nottingham Forest on Saturday. 

The pair have missed the last few games with injury and were absent from last weekend's Carabao Cup final victory against Chelsea.

However, the influential duo are set to return to action at the City Ground, although it remains to be seen how much of a part they can play against Forest.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Klopp stated: "Darwin and Dom trained yesterday with the team. So, they look good, we have to wait [to see] how they react."

The German also confirmed that Alexis Mac Allister, Ibrahima Konate and Luis Diaz were all available, while Wataru Endo and Andy Robertson were in line to train on Friday.

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MOHAMED SALAH RETURN DATE RUMOURED

While there were positive updates on the fitness of Nunez and Szoboszlai, Klopp confirmed Liverpool winger Mohamed Salah will miss out on Saturday's trip to the Midlands.

The Egyptian is yet to return to training after suffering a recurrence of a hamstring injury during Liverpool's 4-1 win at Brentford two weeks ago, also missing the Carabao Cup final against Chelsea.

While Klopp revealed that Salah will miss out on Saturday's clash, the good news is that he may be available by next week, suggesting he could return for the big game against Manchester City on 10 March.

Klopp said on Salah: "I don't think Mo is too far off but he will not feature tomorrow. From there we have to go. It's like with the other two [Nunez and Szoboszlai] 'touch and go'.

"That stays with Mo a bit longer unfortunately. I think next week at any point is possible.

"So he's on the way back definitely but not there yet."

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RAFA BENITEZ BIGS UP XABI ALONSO AMID LIVERPOOL LINKS

Former Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has revealed Xabi Alonso was always 'clever' tactically, but offered a word of caution on the media frenzy surrounding the Bayer Leverkusen boss.

The current Leverkusen manager is the front-runner to be named as Jurgen Klopp's successor at Anfield, although the Reds face competition from Bayern Munich for his signature.

Former Liverpool manager Benitez has backed Alonso to succeed in management, but has suggested that expectations need to be tempered regarding the 42-year-old.

"He was clever and analysed. When you explain things to some players, you have to repeat. Xabi was one who learned quickly," said the current Celta Vigo boss.

"He’s a big name, good professional, good lad, clever, doing really well so I understand why. [But] imagine Steven Gerrard was around and doing well. Then it would be: ‘Gerrard!’ With social media everything is going too fast so that people don’t see the big picture."

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NUNO ESPIRITO SANTO WARNS LIVERPOOL ABOUT DIVOCK ORIGI

Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo has suggested that former Liverpool icon Divock Origi could be a key figure in Saturday's clash between the sides.

Origi will live forever in Liverpool folklore following some huge goals in games against Everton, as well as Champions League strikes against Barcelona and Tottenham en route to the trophy in 2018/19.

However, the Belgian hasn't had the best of times since leaving Liverpool, struggling at Milan and failing to sparkle at Forest so far.

However, Santo thinks that the striker could be a difference-maker against his old employers Liverpool, stating: "I still haven’t decided who is going to play but I can tell you Divock is improving.

"He has been in and out, some small issues which has been delaying his progress. But in the first half (against Manchester United) he was amazing and for us, he is a solution because he can play right, left side and in the centre. So we need the best version of Divock."

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VIRGIL VAN DIJK HAILS 'OUTSTANDING' TEAMMATE

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has called teammate Joe Gomez "outstanding" and "maybe one of the players of the season" for his versatile displays amid the Reds' injury crisis.

Gomez has been a regular in the Liverpool team this season after filling in for injured teammates, featuring at right-back, left-back, centre-back and even defensive midfield against Southampton last time out.

Van Dijk was quick to praise Gomez following his display against the Saints in the FA Cup, suggesting that the defender doesn't get the credit he deserves.

"He did outstanding, big credit to him for him to perform at left-back, right-back, centre-half, six and does it on the high level," said the Liverpool captain.

"I'm just pleased for him and knowing what we have been through together a couple of years ago. And for him to be playing on that level is something he should get maybe more credit for."

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