Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has confirmed that Darwin Nunez is fit and in contention to play in Saturday's Premier League encounter against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.
Nunez received treatment for a cut on his ankle at the Reds' AXA Training Centre after withdrawing from the Uruguay squad before the international break, but the striker returned to training this week and is available to feature against the Citizens.
Liverpool winger Luis Diaz also returned to training this week following a five-month spell on the sidelines with a knee injury, but Klopp has confirmed that the Colombian has "no chance" of making the matchday squad on Saturday.
Naby Keita is also ruled out after the Guinea midfielder returned from international duty with a muscle problem, and he joins Thiago Alcantara (hip), Stefan Bajcetic (thigh) and Calvin Ramsay (knee) in the treatment room.
Kostas Tsimikas was another pictured in training this week after sustaining a rib injury in Greece's goalless draw with Lithuania on Monday, and the left-back will be assessed ahead of the lunchtime kickoff at the Etihad.
Klopp named four attackers in his starting lineup for the 1-0 defeat against Real Madrid in the Champions League last-16 just over two weeks ago, but the German will likely revert to a three-man attack and midfield on Saturday.
With Nunez available for selection, Diogo Jota could be the unfortunate one to make way, while Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo – the latter of whom recovered from a virus to score in the Netherlands' 3-0 win over Gibraltar on Monday – are both set to retain their places in the first XI.
Jordan Henderson missed the trip to Real Madrid due to illness, but he played for England during the international break and is in contention to start in centre-midfield alongside Fabinho, while former Man City man James Milner will be hoping to keep his place ahead of Harvey Elliott.
Klopp could stick with a back four of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ibrahima Konate, Virgil van Dijk and Andrew Robertson, protecting goalkeeper Alisson Becker, although Joel Matip and Joe Gomez are options to start at centre-back.
Liverpool possible starting lineup: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Henderson, Fabinho, Elliott; Salah, Gakpo, Nunez
> Click here to see how Manchester City could line up for this contest
Oliver Thomas
