Liverpool receive major fitness boost ahead of Premier League opener

Liverpool have received a major fitness boost ahead of the new Premier League campaign, with reports that Thiago Alcantara and Stefan Bajcetic are to return to training this week.

The Reds are set to open their 2023/24 Premier League season with a trip to Stamford Bridge to take on Chelsea next Sunday, but are light on deep-lying midfield options.

While Fabinho, Jordan Henderson and James Milner have all departed, the likes of Thiago, Bajcetic and Tyler Morton have spent pre-season in recovery following injury layoffs.

With the new campaign fast approaching, and no breakthrough in negotiations with Southampton over a transfer for Romeo Lavia, it looked as though Liverpool might have to face Chelsea without a recognised 'number six'.

READ MORE: 7 big questions for Liverpool ahead of the 2023/24 season

Jurgen Klopp has mooted using Curtis Jones in the role, while the likes of Alexis Mac Allister and Trent Alexander-Arnold, as well as 18-year-old James McConnell have all been used at the base of midfield at some point in pre-season.

However, David Lynch, writing for This Is Anfield, has now reported that Thiago and Bajcetic are set to return to first-team training at Kirky on Saturday, in a major boost to Klopp's squad.

Thiago missed the back end of the 2022/23 with a hip issue, while 18-year-old Bajcetic – who was last season's breakthrough act – suffered an abductor injury, which has kept him out since March.

READ MORE: Thiago – Why Liverpool's 'luxury player' still has plenty to offer

Liverpool continue to work on midfield reinforcements, having already brought in Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai.

The Reds are expected to make a third bid for Lavia, while there are discussions around Fluminense's Andre Trindade – though a deal appears complicated.

Anfield Watch exclusively reported on Friday that Liverpool are also looking at Leicester City's Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall as another potential option.