Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is eager to see Thiago Alcantara return to action, but has revealed it is unlikely he will feature against Newcastle United.
Thiago returned to full first-team training on Monday after a prolonged absence following a rash tackle from Richarlison in Liverpool’s 2-2 draw with Everton in October.
However, Klopp has made it clear Thiago must complete ‘a few training sessions’ before returning to his game-day squad and insists Wednesday’s match at St. James’ Park is too soon.
'I like watching all my boys playing and with Thiago, of course he had a few minutes, I would say, until he got injured,' the boss said told Liverpool FC's official site, when asked if he is eager to have Thiago available again.
'So of course we are looking forward to that, but I don't know. It's not really likely that he will travel [to Newcastle], let me say it like this.
'He needs a few sessions, he was really out for a long time after a really harsh challenge – that was a proper impact. Nothing ruptured, nothing broken, but that still took time obviously and it still takes time. We cannot rush that, we will not do. So I don't know.'
Having joined the club from Bayern Munich in the summer, Thiago has played just twice for the Red’s this season.
Thiago missed two games in September due to coronavirus and has spent the entirety of the Christmas period out injured.
Liverpool will be keen to get the most out of the midfielder they signed for £25million.
In addition, Klopp's men will also be eager to get back to winning ways after they were held to a 1-1 draw against West Bromwich Albion on Sunday.