Klopp boosted by return of Thiago and Mane ahead of Merseyside derby

Jurgen Klopp has received a huge boost with the return of star players Saido Mane and Thiago Alcântara ahead of their Saturday Merseyside derby clash against Everton.

Saido Mane and Thiago Alcântara reportedly returned to training following a period of self-isolation after positive coronavirus tests.

Both players contracted COVID-19 prior to the international break and have been under strict quarantine protocols since, with Thiago and Mane missing the 7-2 thrashing inflicted on Jurgen Klopp’s side by Aston Villa.

Now, The Mirror reports that the Liverpool pair have returned negative tests after completing 10 days of self-isolation, with Thiago and Mane returning to training with the Premier League champions on Monday.

The news comes as a huge boost to Klopp, who is set to have both men available for Saturday’s Merseyside derby, but the Reds manager will have to make do without Naby Keita, who tested positive for coronavirus while on international duty with Guinea.

Thiago is still waiting to make his first Premier League start in Liverpool colours, while Mane boasts 84 goals in 174 games for the Reds, with four of those strikes coming against Everton.