Klopp handed huge boost with "important" Liverpool player close to a return - they've badly missed him

Jurgen Klopp has been handed a huge boost with crucial Liverpool centre-back Joel Matip nearing a return from injury.

Liverpool have had a terrible start to the season. The Reds are languishing in eighth place in the Premier League, some seven points from the Champions League spots and 15 points off league leaders Arsenal.

Their poor form can in part be credited to a series of injuries. Attackers Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota have both been out for a sustained period of time, while midfield duo Thiago Alcantara and Jordan Henderson have endured niggling injuries at various points in the campaign.

And that’s not to mention the games James Milner, Naby Keita and Matip have been forced to sit out.

Klopp provided an update on the condition of some of Liverpool’s most important players.

Matip nearing return

Matip is nearing a comeback, having been out of action for a month with a knee issue.

The languid Cameroonian centre-back, who The Telegraph’s Sam Wallace labelled as an “important” part of the Reds side last term, has completed a near-full workout with the Reds.

In his press conference, Klopp explained: “Joel trained, he trained with us, he was in three-fourths, pretty much the whole session but the last bit he didn’t do.

“But he is now obviously available as well – would be available but has only trained once with the team.”

Milner Milestone

Milner is back in training having suffered a concussion. If he were to feature against Southampton at the weekend it would be his 600th Premier League appearance.

The former England international would only be the fourth player to reach said milestone, after Gareth Barry, Ryan Giggs and Frank Lampard.

Elsewhere, Keita and Diaz continue to step up their recoveries with running sessions.

Klopp said: “So, nobody is out from the players we had available for midweek or the last game, I would say.

“Millie is back in training today, Naby is out and running, and Lucho is back on the pitch and running.”

Liverpool take on Southampton at Anfield on Saturday, in what will be Nathan Jones’ first game in charge of the Saints.

Topics: Football, Liverpool, Joel Matip, James Milner, Jurgen Klopp, Injury

Chris Byfield

Sport journalist with experience writing on football, rugby, boxing and the Olympics. I'm also a Crystal Palace fan. Please don't hold this against me.