Liverpool get a big boost ahead of Napoli as Thiago returns to full training. The Spaniard has been missed this season.
This comes from the Liverpool Echo. They say that Thiago returned to full training on Monday and appears set to feature against Napoli this week.
There had been some suggestions that Thiago would be okay to resume training this week. We didn’t think he’d be back in full training, however – that’s a big boost to Liverpool.
This is ahead of schedule, too. The Athletic reported three weeks ago that Liverpool’s staff were ‘hopeful’ of a return before mid-September. The player was initially ruled out for longer, and the staff got their wish.
Thiago returns to training
A big win for Liverpool, this. It sound as though Thiago is near-enough ready to go and while we don’t think he’ll start against Napoli, he’ll surely feature.
And we can barely stress how much Liverpool have missed their playmaker. Thiago’s absence has left them unable to progress the ball through midfield. Manchester United exploited that better than anyone, pressing the Reds quite high and forcing mistakes.
Liverpool’s need for such a player saw them go out and find Arthur Melo from Juventus. They reported see him as a similar player to Thiago. We’re inclined to agree.
Now, though, Thiago is back – arguably the best in the world at playing through a press. That should help bring attacking midfielder into the game, such as Harvey Elliott. The teenager has been in good form but we can see this return improving him further.
We’re excited, then. Thiago’s return could honestly be what finally kickstart the Reds’ season, such is his importance. Tim Sherwood said late last season that the midfielder was now ‘crucial’ to Liverpool.
The last few games have shown that to be correct.
