Joel Matip returns to full training as Liverpool prepare for Premier League showdown with Chelsea

• e-mail

Joe Matip gave Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp a boost on Thursday as he returned to first team training ahead of the Premier League clash with Chelsea.

Matip missed Liverpool's last two games - Southampton last weekend and Sevilla in midweek - after suffering a thigh injury but the Cameroon international is expected to return ahead of Saturday's match.

Klopp will have to choose whether to put him straight back into central defence at the detriment of either Dejan Lovren or Ragnar Klaven.

Liverpool defender Joel Matip returned to first team training on Thursday night at Melwood

Central defender Matip has missed Liverpool's last two games after suffering a thigh injury

The Reds boss Jurgen Klopp keeps a close eye on the night-time training session

The Reds are fifth in the league and three points off the reigning champions who occupy third place.

Adam Lallana could also make his return to action at Anfield against Antonio Conte's men.

Lallana was pictured taking part in the floodlit training session after being ruled out for three months with a thigh injury. 

Liverpool midfielder Adam Lallana returned to training and could feature against Chelsea

Lallana has missed the last three months of action after struggling with a thigh problem

Striker Daniel Sturridge has been able to maintain his fitness so far this season

Philippe Coutinho could be the man to inspire Liverpool to victory on Saturday evening

Liverpool will be looking for players such as Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Philippe Coutinho to inspire them to victory on Saturday.

All three of them trained along with Mohamed Salah, who looked in a particularly good mood.  

Liverpool's record against Chelsea is strong. Two wins and three draws in the last five matches against the Blues. 

Mohamed Salah has been in fantastic form for the Premier League's fifth-placed team

Salah looked to be having a good time during training and allowed himself a few laughs