Diogo Jota is on the verge of making his Liverpool return, with Jurgen Klopp set to be boosted as the club’s injury problems ease.
The Portuguese striker could yet be involved against Everton on Monday night, while Arthur Melo and Roberto Firmino are not far behind as they step up their recovery from injury.
Virgil van Dijk remains out though and Thiago is a major doubt for the derby, while Luis Diaz could be unavailable for another month.
Here is your latest update of Liverpool injuries and return dates...
Thiago
Klopp revealed in his press conference ahead of the Everton match that Thiago is a major doubt for the Merseyside derby, having missed training this week with a hip injury.
It is not believed to be a serious issue though, so the midfielder should be available for the trip to Newcastle next weekend should he miss out against Everton.
Diogo Jota
He has not played since October, but the Liverpool boss confirmed Jota is “in contention” to face the Toffees as he continues to step up his recovery.
The Portuguese forward returned to team training on Wednesday, and is another few days away from being ready for first-team action.
Virgil van Dijk
Liverpool’s key man at the back is “not that close” to a return, having picked up a hamstring injury last month.
Van Dijk was pictured in training earlier this week, so the Reds will be hoping he is back and available before Real Madrid visit Anfield on February 21 in the Champions League.
Ibrahima Konate
No update was given by Klopp on Konate’s injury status ahead of the visit of Everton, with the centre-back definitely out of the derby.
The hamstring injury suffered against Brighton in the FA Cup was expected to keep him out for about three weeks, meaning he faces a race to be fit in time for the first leg against Real Madrid.
Roberto Firmino
The outlook is more positive for Firmino, who featured in Liverpool training this week and, aside from Jota, is the injured player closest to a first-team return. Should that not come against Everton, the Brazilian will likely be involved in the near future.
Klopp said on Friday: “Bobby (is the) next one, I don’t know, we have to see how he deals with training intensity and make a decision there.”
Arthur Melo
Klopp revealed Arthur is “similar to Bobby” in that he has been involved in training but he will be eased back into things gradually after such a frustrating time with injuries.
The Brazilian suffered a “serious” thigh injury in October, but has returned ahead of schedule as he finally looks to make an impression in a Liverpool shirt.
Luis Diaz
Diaz is training on grass again but is still set to be unavailable for at least the rest of February.
The winger picked up a knee injury in October before a setback at the end of last year, and is eyeing a potential return for the second leg against Real Madrid on March 15.
Diaz said: “Let’s wait a little to see when it is and if it is the Bernabeu.”
