.JPG?w=640&h=480&auto=compress,format&fit=clip "Cody Gakpo returns to Liverpool training")
Cody Gakpo has made a return to Liverpool training ahead of Saturday's Merseyside derby with Everton.
Liverpool went into the October international break on the back foot having dropped five points in away fixtures at Tottenham Hotspur and Brighton & Hove Albion.
As a result, Jurgen Klopp's side now sit three points adrift of top spot in the Premier League standings, but just one behind champions Manchester City in third place.
Klopp and his squad are now due to commence another hectic period of the season with Europa League and EFL Cup ties coming in between matches in England's top flight.
That scenario has left the German hoping for a quick return for Gakpo, who has been absent since suffering a knee issue in the fixture with Spurs on September 30.
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With Roberto Firmino having departed Anfield in the summer, the Netherlands international has taken on a more prominent role down the centre of the attack.
A total of three goals have come from six starts and two substitute outings in all competitions during 2023-24, with Gakpo having generally been given the nod ahead of Darwin Nunez.
Prior to the two-week break, Klopp hinted that Gakpo could be ready to take his place in the squad for the first showdown of the season with Everton.
The 24-year-old has now been seen in training ahead of the meeting on Saturday, potentially an indication that he could be able to play some part versus the Toffees.
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Gakpo may have to up the intensity of his work on Friday before Klopp makes a decision on his availability for the lunchtime kickoff.
While Nunez is regarded as a natural replacement, he played 90 minutes during each of Uruguay's fixtures against Colombia and Brazil, the most recent of those encounters taking place on Tuesday night.
Nunez's fitness will be assessed after the long-haul flight and minimal recovery time, but the former Benfica man did feature in training on Thursday.
Klopp will also be able to call upon Diogo Jota with the Portuguese having served a one-match ban for his dismissal versus Spurs.
Darren Plant
