Liverpool have been handed a major boost ahead of Monday’s Merseyside derby after four crucial first-team players returned to training.
The Reds have endured a dismal run of form in recent weeks – with just one win in their last seven matches – and it’s led to mounting pressure on boss Jurgen Klopp.
However, the German manager’s fortunes may have been saved after four of Liverpool’s absentees made a return to the pitch, ahead of their clash with Everton.
The four players that were spotted at Liverpool’s AXA training ground were Virgil van Dijk, Roberto Firmino, Diogo Jota and Arthur Melo.
Holland defender van Dijk will likely be the biggest boost to the Liverpool side – who have conceded 13 goals in their previous seven matches.
The ex-Southampton centre-back has been sidelined since the start of January after sustaining a hamstring injury during their 3-1 defeat to Brentford.
The Reds had won two out of their three matches after the Premier League’s restart – with van Dijk featuring in all three – and have won just one in his absence.
The 31-year-old defender could be seen hugging and laughing with first-team boss Jurgen Klopp as he returned to the pitches at Kirkby.
Meanwhile, Brazilian forward Firmino has been out of action since the end of December after picking up a knock in training.
He featured in both of Liverpool’s mid-season friendlies, prior to the league’s restart, but has not stepped foot on the pitch since then.
Winger Jota has been on the sidelines since being stretchered off in October clash with Man City – which they prevailed 1-0.
The Portuguese winger made just four Premier League appearances in this campaign prior to sustaining the injury that ruled him out of the World Cup.
Juventus loanee Arthur Melo had been ruled out with a thigh injury for the last four months, before making his return to training on Thursday.
The Brazilian midfielder has made just one appearance – a late substitute cameo against Napoli – since joining from the Serie A giants in summer.
Klopp will be hoping that he has some of his returning stars at his disposal for the clash with Everton – who will be looking to get one over on their close rivals.
The Reds can go level on points with eighth-placed Fulham, leapfrogging Chelsea, if they secure a win over Sean Dyche’s side on Monday.
SOURCE: dailymail.co.uk
