Liverpool boss Klopp reveals Keita and Matip are back in training ahead of Atalanta clash

Liverpool handed injury boost as Jurgen Klopp reveals Naby Keita and Joel Matip are back in full training ahead of Champions League clash with Atalanta but summer signing Thiago is STILL missing

  • Naby Keita and Joel Matip both took part in full training for Liverpool on Sunday
  • Thiago was not present for the session and is still struggling with a knee problem
  • Jurgen Klopp will make a late call on Keita and Matip ahead of Atalanta clash

Jurgen Klopp has been handed an injury boost with Naby Keita and Joel Matip fit enough to train ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League clash with Atalanta.

The Liverpool duo have recovered from their injuries and took part in Sunday’s session but Thiago was not involved as he is still struggling with a knee problem.

Klopp will make a late call on whether or not to include Keita and Matip in his squad for the group game in Bergamo – but the latter’s return comes as welcome news given their current injury crisis in defence.

Jurgen Klopp has revealed Naby Keita and Joel Matip returned to full training on Sunday

Jurgen Klopp has revealed Naby Keita and Joel Matip returned to full training on Sunday

Keita has recovered from his injury and is back in full training

Matip (R) has also returned and will give Liverpool a welcome boost

Liverpool will make a late call on whether or not to involve the pair in their game at Atalanta

Asked about Liverpool’s current situation with injuries, the German told the club’s official website: ‘Naby and Joel trained yesterday with the team, full, Thiago didn’t. So, that’s the situation.

‘I have really no idea what I do with this information in the moment because yes, they trained, that’s good, it’s better than if they don’t train. But we have to see what we do with it.

‘We have another day to make these decisions. A lot of players will be on the plane hopefully, and so decisions will be made late, late, late.’

Liverpool are set to fly out to Italy later on Monday ahead of the game against Atalanta , who are unbeaten from their opening two Group D matches. 

Thiago was still missing from training due to a knee problem and won't travel to Bergamo

Thiago was still missing from training due to a knee problem and won’t travel to Bergamo

Nat Phillips excelled in central defence at the weekend but is ineligible in Europe this season

Nat Phillips excelled in central defence at the weekend but is ineligible in Europe this season

Victory on Tuesday would see Liverpool put one foot into the knockout rounds and continue their perfect start to their European campaign having already recorded wins over Ajax and FC Midtjylland.

In the absence of injured duo Fabinho and Virgil van Dijk, Klopp opted for Nat Phillips to fill the void at centre-back on the weekend and he repaid his boss’ faith with a man-of-the-match display in a win over West Ham.

Klopp was quick to heap praise on Phillips after the victory, describing his performance as ‘incredible’, but he is ineligible to play in Europe this season, with teenager Rhys Williams expected to deputise.

source: dailymail.co.uk