Good News For Liverpool As Key Midfielder Expected To Return For Newcastle Clash

Liverpool midfielder Thiago Alcantara reportedly could make a comeback in the Reds' trip to Newcastle on Wednesday in the 2020-21 Premier League.

Alcantara, who made only two appearances for Liverpool since his summer arrival from Bayern Munich, last played for the Reds during the Merseyside derby in October. He suffered a knee injury in the 2-2 draw at Goodison Park after a challenge from Everton forward Richarlison, who was sent off for the same. While Alcantara did not undergo surgery, he needed a long two-and-a-half-month recovery time.

The Spanish midfielder, who returned to full training last week, has so far shown no adverse reaction and could return to action against Newcastle Wednesday at St. James' Park, as reported by Goal.

Alcantara's return could boost Premier League leaders Liverpool's chances as the upcoming weeks could be a busy time for the European club. Liverpool have been struck by many injuries in the ongoing campaign. While Xherdan Shaqiri and James Milner returned from their injury layoffs and were on the bench Wednesday against West Brom, there were quite a few key players who remain sidelined. Diogo Jota and Kostas Tsimikas were expected to return by January, while first-choice center back duo Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez will miss the rest of the season.

Naby Keita missed Liverpool's previous Premier League game due to fitness issues. The match, which ended in a disappointing 1-1 draw against West Brom, saw center-back Joel Matip yet again suffering an injury.

"Joel told me he felt something in his adductor and that’s obviously not too good. I am not sure how serious it is now, but it was serious enough that he had to leave the pitch. The rest of the information I will get tomorrow," Jurgen Klopp said after the match at Anfield.

Speaking about Keita's situation, Klopp added, "He felt a muscle again, I don’t know exactly how long [it will be], but he was not ready for today and not for Wednesday, I think. We will see."

Liverpool's midfielders Jordan Henderson, Gini Wijnaldum and Curtis Jones have been regular faces recently. It is expected that at least one of them will be rotated to the bench during the Newcastle fixture Wednesday. It means Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Shaqiri, Milner and Alcantara are options.