Thiago Alcantara is back in training despite ongoing injury and illness woes and manager Jurgen Klopp will be hoping he remains fit for a prolonged period.
The Liverpool boss spoke at his pre-Cardiff press conference on Friday and confirmed the Reds have been boosted by the return of Thiago to training but added that the former Bayern Munich star was suffering from a chest infection.
Klopp said: “He trained with us – unfortunately when COVID is around you think it is the only infection you can get.
“But he had a chest infection so he had to step aside again – but I expect him to be back in team training today.”
The midfielder reportedly earns £225,000 per week but has struggled to remain fit and if Liverpool’s medical staff can keep him fit for the most important games of the season, it increases their chances of winning major trophies tenfold.
The Reds have been at their best whenever Thiago has been on the pitch so it’s crucial the Spaniard returns to full fitness as the season starts to build toward what could soon be defining moments for this exciting squad.
His composure on the ball and exquisite technique allow him to dictate the tempo of the game in a way no other Liverpool midfielder is able to.
The issue is that without him, the midfield lacks control as evidenced by the final half-hour against Crystal Palace when Fabinho, Jordan Henderson and Curtis Jones were unable to keep the ball.
With Thiago back in the side, hopefully, Liverpool will be able to see out wins instead of dropping points in needless draws.
That has been the major difference between them and Manchester City this season as the league leaders have drawn just 3 games while the Merseysiders have picked up just one point on 6 occasions.
By the end of the season, that could prove costly as it already means Liverpool are nine points behind Pep Guardiola’s men.
