'A wonderful sign' - Jurgen Klopp issues huge Thiago Alcantara fitness update as Liverpool playmaker nears end of nine-month injury nightmare

Due to a severe hip injury that required surgery during the summer, Thiago hasn't played for the Reds in 278 days. The 32-year-old was on the verge of making a comeback in both August and September, however, he experienced setbacks in his recuperation regimen, which ruled him out of contention until this week when he returned to training.

Talking to the media ahead of his side's clash against Chelsea, the German said [via The Athletic]: "Thiago trained for the first time which was an incredible moment after all the months. He needs time but it was a wonderful sign."

Thiago is expected to make his return to the pitch in the coming weeks. While the Spaniard has so far failed to have the same effect on Klopp's side as was expected from him after his highly anticipated move from Bayern Munich, the German coach will be hoping to see a massive boost from Thiago's presence in midfield.

Thiago will not be available for Klopp to deploy when Liverpool take on Chelsea, on Wednesday, January 31 and Arsenal on Sunday, January 4.