Liverpool handed double squad boost ahead of Arsenal clash

The Reds welcome two key players back to their squad ahead of their upcoming home game.

Thiago Alcantara and Virgil van Dijk will be available to play for Liverpool against Arsenal.

Van Dijk missed out on Liverpool’s midweek draw against Chelsea due to illness. However, he has returned to his side’s team training before the Arsenal clash.

Another squad boost for Jurgen Klopp’s side is Thiago Alcantara’s return. The Spaniard has stayed out of action with a hip injury since February. But he will be available for selection against the Gunners.

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

Luis Diaz hasn’t played for the Reds since picking up a knee injury in October. The Portuguese star has restarted training with his teammates. However, he might need more time before returning to the pitch.

Klopp added: “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.”