Liverpool have received a massive injury boost ahead of Saturday’s huge Premier League clash with Chelsea after Joel Matip returned to full first-team training.
The 26-year-old missed both the Reds’ victory over Southampton on Saturday and the dramatic 3-3 draw against Sevilla in the Champions League on Tuesday evening due to a thigh injury.
But now it appears the Cameroon star is winning his race to return to fitness and is expected to be in the starting XI for Saturday’s match after being pictured training with the rest of his teammates.
The Merseysiders took part in late training session on Thursday evening – perhaps to replicate Saturday’s late kick-off – following their draw in Seville and Matip was among those who were put through their paces.
He may not be the only player to return to action against Chelsea, with long-term absentee Adam Lallana also ready to take on Antonio Conte’s men judging by his involvement in the training session.
That leaves manager Jurgen Klopp with something of a dilemma, however, with one of Dejan Lovren or Ragnar Klaven needing to make way in order for Matip to return.
Lallana, meanwhile, is in competition with a host of players to start at Anfield, though Jordan Henderson’s woeful showing against Sevilla – he successfully completed just 56% of his passes – could open the door for his return.
Klopp revealed that Matip had been left in Liverpool for the midweek match, but has now joined up with the rest of his teammates: ‘The squad looks good. They are pretty much all here from the normal squad, apart from Joel.
‘He is in Liverpool and full training, so all good. I think there will be a big chance he will be ready for Saturday. But there was no chance for this game. It was a little bit too quick, but it’s all good.’
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