Alcantara returns to Liverpool training
LIVERPOOL — Thiago Alcantara ( pictured) returned to Liverpool training on Thursday to boost the Premier League champions' title defence.
The Spanish midfielder has struggled with knee and coronavirus issues since completing his £20 million transfer from Bayern Munich over the summer, playing just two league games for Jurgen Klopp's side.
But the Reds were boosted as Thiago underwent an individual session at the club's new AXA training session in a sign that will ease their injury woes.
Klopp paid tribute to "true Liverpool legend" Gérard Houllier after his passing on Monday.
Thiago made his Liverpool debut in a 2-0 Premier League win over Chelsea in September and impressed for the Reds despite playing just 45 minutes.
The 29-year-old outpassed every singles Blues player during the secondhalf but the midfielder was ruled out of their next two league matches after contracting coronavirus.
Thiago returned to the starting lineup for October's Merseyside Derby with Everton, but was on the end of a rough challenge by Richarlison in the dying moments of the game. The Spaniard picked up a knee injury from the tackle which earned the Toffees winger a red card.
The former Bayern man has since missed eight league matches and all of Liverpool's Champions League group stage matches this season due to the injuries, but Klopp's side managed to reach the European knockout stages and have returned to the top of the table.
The Merseysiders beat fellow title challengers Tottenham 2-1 on Wednesday night due to Roberto Firmino's late winner after Son HeungMin cancelled out Mo Salah's deflected strike in the first-half.
Klopp's side travel to Crystal Palace today hoping to maintain or even build on the three-point lead over Jose Mourinho's Spurs.
Liverpool have struggled with injuries this season as they aim to win back-to-back league titles after a 30-year Premier League drought.
Klopp has lost defenders Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez to long-term injuries while midfielder Diogo Jota is out until the New Year after a goal-laden start to his Anfield career.
James Milner, Xherdan Shaqiri, Kostas Tsimikas and Joel Matip are also currently out injured but Thiago's return to training is not the only fitness boost for Jurgen Klopp this week.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain returned to the substitutes' bench this week after another serious injury lay-off while fellow midfielder Naby Keita returned from injury to make the matchday squad against Tottenham on Wednesday.