THIAGO BACK Liverpool's injury crisis coming to an end as Jurgen Klopp faces selection dilemmas

Thiago Alcantara is closing in on a comeback from injury (Neil Hall/PA)

December 23 2020 11:56 PM

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was in danger of running out of senior first team performers in the opening months of the season amid a serious injury crisis, yet most of his woes appear to have come to an end.

After sundayworld.com broke the news last week that Thiago Alcantara was on his way back from injury, the Spain international was one of many players returning to fitness as Klopp's first team squad trained on Tuesday.

James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Xherdan Shaqiri were among the players in full training as Klopp's side prepare for Sunday's game against West Bromwich Albion.

How are we, @Thiago6? â½ï¸ pic.twitter.com/aGZyUF8qks
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) December 23, 2020

While we understand Thiago is unlikely to start against the Baggies as he looks to make his first appearance since a horror tackle from Richarlison in the Merseyside derby in October, there is a chance he could make an appearance from the bench.

Oxlade-Chamberlain may be ready to start if required against West Brom, while Milner's return is welcome given his versatility and ability to play in defensive roles if required.

With so many of his first team squad now edging closer to full fitness, Klopp will have a host of selection dilemmas to consider in the next few weeks.

Premier League away matches against Newcastle and Southampton follow the West Brom game, with Liverpool more fortunate than most Premier League sides as they have more time than most to prepare for games over the festive period.

While Chelsea have just 48 hours between their matches over the Christmas period as they cram in matches against Arsenal, Aston Villa and Manchester City, Liverpool have over 75 hours between their fixtures in the coming days.

That extra time will allow Klopp to give his players some additional rest, with the return of so many of his injured players offering him real encouragement as he looks to cement Liverpool's place at the top of the table.

Meanwhile, there are fresh reports that Gini Wijnaldum's days at Liverpool will come to an end in the coming months, with club insiders hinting they do not expect to find agreement on a new contract for the Dutch midfielder.

Brighton's Yves Bissouma is now a firm target for Liverpool as they look to a future without Wijnaldum, with the return of Klopp's injured players opening up the prospect of the Dutchman leaving in January if the right offer comes in.

Paris Saint-Germain have been linked with Wijnaldum, but the club have insisted they do not need to sell the player next month even though he can agree a pre-contract deal for a free transfer next summer from January 1st.