Arthur Melo has made his long-awaited return to full training - as Virgil van Dijk and Roberto Firmino edge nearer to a first-team comeback for Liverpool.
All three were part of the squad at the AXA Training Centre on Thursday as the Reds, having been given two days off earlier in the week, stepped up their preparations for the Merseyside derby at home to Everton next Monday.
While Arthur took part in full training, both Van Dijk and Firmino were involved in individual sessions away from the main group as they build up their fitness following their respective spells on the sidelines.
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Van Dijk has been absent since suffering a hamstring problem during the 3-1 Premier League defeat at Brentford on January 2, with Jurgen Klopp having last week said he expected the Dutchman to take some part in training this week.
Firmino last played for Liverpool before the World Cup break in November having suffered a calf injury in training before the resumption of the season with the Carabao Cup tie at Manchester City on December 22.
Arthur, meanwhile, has suffered a nightmare time since arriving from Juventus on a season-long loan on transfer deadline day in September last year.
The Brazilian made a brief cameo in the Champions League opening group game defeat at Napoli and started in the EFL Trophy loss at Rochdale as an overage player for the under-21s, before sustaining a serious thigh problem in training that has subsequently kept him on the sidelines.
The 26-year-old returned to his homeland to accelerate his rehabilitation and is now aiming to build up his fitness as he looks to help bolster Liverpool during the second half of the season. Diogo Jota, out since mid-October with a calf problem, was once again present having trained on Wednesday.
Ben Doak, the 17-year-old winger who made his debut earlier this season, has been absent from the last three matchday squads as he recovers from a minor thigh problem. Liverpool, though, are hopeful the youngster will be able to resume training ahead of the derby.
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