Liverpool have received a much-needed boost ahead of their crucial match against Arsenal on Easter Sunday with the return of Spanish international Thiago Alcantara to training. The midfielder has missed the last ten games due to a hip injury, but his return could provide a much-needed spark for the Reds, who have been struggling in recent weeks.
Jurgen Klopp’s side has suffered a thrashing at the hands of Manchester City, a defeat to Bournemouth, and a bore draw against Chelsea. They also crashed out of the Champions League to Real Madrid, leaving finishing in the top four as their best chance at a somewhat successful season from this position.
Liverpool cannot afford to drop any more points, especially at home, as they face a stern test against Arsenal, who are flying high after seven successive Premier League wins. Thiago’s return will give Klopp reason to smile, and he revealed in his pre-match press conference that the former Bayern Munich midfielder was in contention to face Arsenal.
However, Mohamed Salah, Joe Gomez, and Diogo Jota were all missing from the training session on Thursday. According to the Liverpool Echo, the club gave the trio a day off to recover after the draw away at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday, and Klopp did not indicate that any of them had a problem.
Gomez and Jota started in west London, while Salah came off the bench late on against his former employers. Meanwhile, Virgil van Dijk was in training and is ready for selection after missing the trip to the capital through illness.
In another boost for Liverpool, Luis Diaz increased his chances of returning for the first time since injuring his knee against Arsenal in October. He was spotted in full training, with midfielder Naby Keita seen running alongside rehabilitation fitness coach David Rydings. However, Klopp confirmed that this match would come too soon for Diaz, and he would be 100% available for the Leeds game.
Liverpool currently sit eighth in the table and know that failure to secure the vital three points against Arsenal could see them drift further away from the top four. With ten games to go, they are ten points behind Manchester United in fourth.
In conclusion, Thiago’s return to training is a timely boost for Liverpool ahead of their crucial match against Arsenal. Klopp’s side has been struggling in recent weeks and cannot afford to drop any more points if they want to finish in the top four. The return of key players such as Salah, Gomez, Jota, and Diaz will also be crucial in the final stretch of the season.