Alexis Mac Allister was involved in training on Friday as Jurgen Klopp watched more than 23 outfield players on a windy day on Merseyside.
Liverpool’s number 10 has missed the last six games with a serious cut to the bone in his left knee, and ahead of Monday’s game against Newcastle there was some hope he could return.
Klopp had to wait for the team doctor’s verdict on whether Mac Allister would be able to take part in team training, but was seen with the rest of his squad at the AXA Training Centre.
The midfielder participated in Friday’s session, according to Sky Sports, which is a promising sign for the Reds.
Liverpool are already training before their match against Newcastle! ?? pic.twitter.com/uZrU95aZnC
– Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 29, 2023
“If Macca could return to Newcastle it would be fantastic,” Klopp told reporters on Friday morning. “After that he has to come back. [due to Endo going to Asian Cup]!”
Whether a start is too soon remains to be seen, but the fact that he is re-engaging with the team suggests his chances of being involved in some capacity on New Year’s Day are high.
Additionally, there were no pictures of the goalkeepers, but the presence of Alisson and company has since been confirmed as the team prepared for Eddie Howe’s team.
However, Jarell Quansah was absent following his 90-minute outing at Burnley but hopefully there is no concern as Liverpool cannot afford another injury in defence.
Monday night’s match is the last for Mohamed Salah and Wataru Endo before they leave for the African Cup of Nations and Asian Cup respectively, with at least a four-match absence guaranteed.
It’s far from ideal, but it makes Mac Allister’s return even more timely, plus Diogo Jota’s return to full fitness gives the manager another option in attack.
A number of youngsters also took part in Friday’s session, including Conor Bradley, Luke Chambers, Calum Scanlon, James McConnell, Tom Hill, Bobby Clark, Kaide Gordon and Lewis Koumas.
As for the casualties, the list is as follows: Joel Matip (knee), Andy Robertson (shoulder), Kostas Tsimikas (clavicle), Thiago (hip), Stefan Bajcetic (calf) and Ben Doak (knee).
The Liverpool team pictured training on Friday
Goalkeepers: Alisson, Kelleher, Adrián, Pitaluga
Defenders: Van Dijk, Konate, Gómez, Alexander-Arnold, Bradley, Chambers, Scanlon
Midfielders: Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Endo, Gravenberch, Elliott, Jones, McConnell, Hill, Clark
Forwards: Salah, Jota, Díaz, Gakpo, Núñez, Gordon, Koumas
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