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Thiago’s Recovery Continues as Jones and Matip Absent From Liverpool Training
Liverpool continued preparations for their first home game of the new Premier League season against Bournemouth, with 24 players taking part in training on Wednesday.
The Reds opened their campaign with a hard-fought 1-1 draw away at Chelsea and will be eager to claim their first win when they host the Cherries on Saturday afternoon.
Among those pictured in training was Thiago Alcantara, who has been recovering from a hip injury sustained back in April. The Spanish midfielder missed the pre-season tour to Singapore but edges closer to full fitness, despite not making the squad for the opener at Stamford Bridge.
👋 @Thiago6 👋 pic.twitter.com/6PUQ8SJybb
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) August 16, 2023
However, Thiago’s compatriot Stefan Bajcetic was absent as he continues his own recovery from a long-term injury. Manager Jurgen Klopp reported no new fitness concerns following the Chelsea game.
Thiago Alcântara in full training for Liverpool today. 🇪🇸 pic.twitter.com/zBeNSkrmer
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) August 16, 2023
There were a couple other notable absentees from Wednesday’s session as the Reds prepare to return to Anfield for the first time since April’s 1-1 draw with Aston Villa. Curtis Jones and Joel Matip were both missing from the pictures.
It should be noted that those not pictured are not necessarily injured or unavailable. They may just be on separate training programmes away from the main group.
The lack of Jones meant there were actually more goalkeepers than midfielders involved, with Liverpool still urgently pursuing a new number six signing before the transfer window closes.
The starting eleven from the clash at Stamford Bridge were all present, with Jones the only used substitute not shown. Conor Bradley remains sidelined having not travelled this summer.
Preparations are underway ahead of our Anfield return this weekend 📸
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) August 16, 2023
