£54m Liverpool star returns to training in boost for Jurgen Klopp

Liverpool midfielder Naby Keita is back in training after missing the start of the Reds’ season with illness, according to Neil Jones.

Keita signed for Liverpool from RB Leipzig in 2018 and has shown flashes of brilliance so far, but has never been consistent with performances or fitness at Anfield to show that he was worth the £54m fee they paid Die Roten Bullen.

A progressive campaign last campaign, however, saw Keita play more than ever before with the arrival of recovery and performance specialist Dr Andreas Schlumberger.

The German previously worked with Jurgen Klopp, having spent four seasons with Borussia Dortmund between 2011 and 2015.

The Guinean midfielder will now be available in a time of need for the Reds after they suffered yet another midfield injury in their 2-2 draw to Fulham.

Thiago Alcantara hobbled off with what looked like a hamstring issue, and will join Curtis Jones and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain on the sidelines after the two picked up problems during pre-season.

However, the Spaniard’s layoff may be shorter than first feared, according to Jones:

“Thiago underwent a scan on Sunday, and Liverpool will hope to have caught the injury early, meaning a couple of weeks out, as opposed to four or more."

Keita’s return coincides with some big matches in the Premier League season after Liverpool’s initial slip up against Fulham. A home fixture with Crystal Palace is first up on Monday, with a trip to Manchester United next on the schedule.

This was a fixture Keita particularly excelled in last season, scoring once and providing an assist for Mohamed Salah.

The Reds may not be reliant on Keita, but if injuries continue to pile up he will be vital in ensuring they don’t fall away early.