Napoli vs Liverpool: Jurgen Klopp says £200k-a-week star is back ready to play Champions League game

Jurgen Klopp has revealed that Thiago Alcanatara is in contention to face Napoli after returning to training. 

Liverpool begin their Champions League campaign as they take on Luciano Spalletti’s side at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium.

The Reds have been drawn with Rangers and Ajax in Group A, alongside the Southern Italian side.

Klopp’s side come into this game off the back of a goalless draw with Merseyside rivals Everton on Saturday, a result that leaves them with just nine points from their opening six Premier League games.

This inconsistent start has largely been caused by a shortage of midfield depth, with several of their senior options in that area suffering from injury issues.

Thiago was taken off on the opening day against Fulham with a hamstring problem, while Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain have also been sidelined for several weeks. 

Jordan Henderson missed the encounter with Everton and he’s not expected to return until after the international break later this month.

However, the Champions League finalists appear to have been handed a huge boost ahead of their game against Napoli, with Klopp confirming in his press conference on Tuesday that Thiago is back and available.

“Thiago, back in training, second day today,” he told Liverpool’s media team.

“(It) means he is ready, for how long, we will see.”

Whether or not Thiago comes straight into the action for tonight’s game or not, this news will be a huge relief for Klopp as the Reds enter an extremely congested schedule.

James Milner is expected to start against the side sitting second in Serie A, while new signing Arthur Melo could make his debut. Fabinho is also expected to be picked to anchor the midfield three.

This will likely leave Thiago with a cameo display in this fixture, enabling him to get back to full fitness ahead of Saturday’s game against Wolves.

Both Fabio Carvalho and Curtis Jones have missed the trip to Naples, although Klopp confirmed that the pair shouldn’t be facing a lengthy spell out.