Liverpool are assessing Thiago Alcantara’s fitness ahead of Arsenal’s visit as Virgil van Dijk returns and Luis Diaz’s comeback is being carefully planned.

 Liverpool's Spanish midfielder Thiago Alcantara prepares to throw during the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Chelsea at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England on January 21, 2023. (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Liverpool’s Spanish midfielder Thiago Alcantara prepares to throw during the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Chelsea at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England on January 21, 2023. (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)

Thiago Alcantara’s fitness to be assessed ahead of Arsenal clash

Liverpool are keeping a close eye on Thiago Alcantara’s fitness as they prepare for Sunday’s Premier League match against Arsenal.

Manager Jürgen Klopp confirmed that the Spanish midfielder, who had been out with a hip injury since February, has returned to full training.

Van Dijk ready, Luis Diaz’s comeback planned

Virgil van Dijk is set to play after missing the recent draw with Chelsea.

However, Liverpool are exercising caution with Luis Diaz’s return, with the club targeting the Leeds match for his full availability.

Klopp stressed the importance of care in Diaz’s case, given the lengthy nature of his injury.

Thiago’s availability still uncertain

While Thiago has participated in several training sessions with the team, Klopp acknowledged that the midfielder’s availability for Sunday’s game is not yet confirmed.

The team will assess how Thiago feels after Friday’s training before making a final decision on his inclusion.

“Virgil, completely normal, was back in training. Luis and Thiago training completely normal,” Klopp told reporters at his pre-match press conference.

“The plan with Luis is that he will be available 100 per cent for Leeds. Again, it looks good, everything is fine, but it was a long, long injury and so we have to be careful. We will probably not involve him for Sunday.

“Thiago looks slightly different. He was not out that long, trained now three, four times with the team and might be available. But we have to check how he feels today.”