Thiago has put himself in contention for a dramatic return against Premier League leaders Arsenal after coming through Liverpool training unscathed.
The Spain international midfielder has been a huge miss for Liverpool, with a hip injury sidelining him for the past 10 games; a period where the Reds’ Champions’ League hopes seem to have disintegrated.
But after training with the first-team squad all week, Thiago showed his fitness in a serious session between two teams in an 11 on 11 run out, and came through with no issues. That has put him in contention to face the Gunners at Anfield on Sunday, where he could be joined by Luis Diaz, who has also trained this week with the first team squad, following a five month lay off.
The Colombia international hasn’t played since he was injured against Arsenal way back in October, and manager Jurgen Klopp admitted that he has to be cautious with the winger’s return. But with Liverpool now requiring a near miracle to make the top four, Diaz could also be in line for a return along with Thiago.
And there was more good news, with Virgil van Dijk also back in training, following a bout of illness which ruled him out of the limp 0-0 draw at Chelsea in midweek.
The trio could all play a part on Sunday, though Klopp is unlikely to risk all three from the start, with 10 games remaining to close a 10 point gap on Manchester United in fourth.
Meanwhile, Klopp will be hoping his team can produce an inspiring performance against the Gunners after enduring a tough trip to Chelsea on Tuesday. The Reds played out a dull 0-0 draw but the manager did see the positives.
“The recovery, the desire to sort the situation, I liked,” said Klopp. “Nil-nil. Not the most spectacular one, but a step for us. A little step, but a step in the right direction.
“I don’t expect us to have no confidence, but I know we have to put the hard work first. It’s not a situation where you go out with backheels and one-twos. We have to fight through. I know that’s not what people want to hear, but you cannot change that.
“I saw a really good attitude from my team tonight and that’s what I wanted to see. This is the basis for the rest of the season.”
