Jurgen Klopp shares 'incredible' Thiago update ahead of Chelsea clash
Jurgen Klopp has revealed that Thiago Alcantara is finally back in team training, while he confirmed that Alexis Mac Allister should be fit to face Chelsea on Wednesday.
The Liverpool manager was facing the press on Tuesday afternoon ahead of the midweek Premier League clash where he fielded questions about his players’ fitness ahead of a crucial stretch of games.
Mac Allister missed the weekend’s FA Cup fourth-round victory over Norwich City as a precaution following his duties against Fulham in the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg last week.
The World Cup winner only returned to the Liverpool squad in the New Year having missed six matches with a knee injury back in December.
The 25-year-old had started four of the previous five Reds matches before being left out against the Canaries.
However, his manager has confirmed his fitness ahead of the game against Mauricio Pochettino’s men.
“Macca [Alexis Mac Allister] trained yesterday so he should be fine,” Klopp told reporters.
Meanwhile, Thiago has also made a welcome return to the fold. The Spanish midfielder has not played at all this season having undergone hip surgery back in spring and picking up several setbacks along the way during his recovery.
There have even been fears that the 32-year-old has already played his last game for Liverpool with his contract up in the summer.
The last many fans saw of the former Bayern Munich star was in December when he appeared in a photograph commemorating Mohamed Salah’s 200th goal for the club.
Nonetheless, Liverpool will have been given a welcome boost by the news that Thiago is back in training this week although Klopp stressed he is not yet ready for a return to the first team picture at Anfield.
“Thiago trained [for the] first time, which was an incredible moment after all the months he couldn't, to train at the level he trains,” the manager said. “But he needs time.
“A wonderful, wonderful time yesterday.”