Home Football ‘HUGE BOOST’ – Klopp welcomes Alexander-Arnold and THREE important stars return in training ahead Europa League clash vs Atalanta

‘HUGE BOOST’ – Klopp welcomes Alexander-Arnold and THREE important stars return in training ahead Europa League clash vs Atalanta

Football — 04/10/2024

Liverpool’s Premier League title hopes have received a significant boost when four important players returned to first-team training on Tuesday afternoon.

Liverpool are reeling after dropping points in Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Manchester United, when they were particularly wasteful in front of goal.

Trent Alexander-Arnold was one of four Liverpool players to return to full training on Tuesday

Jurgen Klopp is currently preparing his side for Thursday’s Europa League first leg quarter-final against Atalanta, and four previously injured players were seen back on the pitch for the first time.

Diogo Jota, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Stefan Bajcetic, and goalkeeper Alisson all returned to training after weeks and months of recovery.

Portuguese winger Diogo Jota was also involved as he worked alongside Mohamed Salah

Each participated in a complete practice with the rest of their Liverpool teammates and emerged uninjured as Klopp put his team through its paces ahead of their forthcoming midweek match at Anfield.

Reds goalkeeper Alisson was back in training after previously being injured at the start of February

Alisson and backup goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, who has now played more games than the Brazilian this season, went through separate goalkeeping drills at the club’s AXA training center.

It was a long-awaited return for midfielder Stefan Bajcetic (right) who has made just two appearances this season

During goalkeeping drills, the 31-year-old appeared at ease diving between the posts and tossing the ball out, and he is likely to return to starting contention ahead of the season’s end.

His most recent outing came in Liverpool’s 3-1 loss to fellow Premier League contenders Arsenal in early February, following which he sustained a long-term hamstring injury.

Meanwhile, Trent Alexander-Arnold beams as he joins Liverpool’s top players in defensive and attacking exercises.

Alisson looked comfortable as he was put through goalkeeping drills by his Liverpool team-mates

The Reds vice-captain was also summoned for a private conversation with Klopp, who has had to find a way to survive in recent Premier League matches without the versatile England international.

Liverpool vice-captain Alexander-Arnold also spent time locked in conversation with Jurgen Klopp

Alexander-Arnold worsened an existing knee issue against Burnley on February 10, and he has been desperate to return to the squad.

Jota, a Portuguese winger, appeared to be overjoyed to be back with his teammates, working closely with Mohamed Salah during offensive drills on Tuesday.

Alexander-Arnold worked through a number of defensive and attacking drills on Tuesday

Liverpool have managed his injury layoff by playing Luis Diaz on the left wing, and the Colombian’s impressive form suggests Jota may struggle to re-establish himself among Klopp’s starting.

Portuguese winger, Jota, similarly looked delighted to be back amongst his colleagues

Stefan Bajcetic, 19, has had the longest fitness rehab of the four returning players, appearing only twice this season due to hip issues.