Liverpool attackers Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez both took part in team training on Thursday ahead of Saturday's Premier League trip to the Etihad Stadium to face Manchester City.
Diaz has not played a competitive match for the Reds since October 9 when he sustained a serious knee injury in the 3-2 defeat at Arsenal.
The 26-year-old was initially scheduled to spend around three months on the sidelines, but he was ruled out for a further two months after suffering a setback in his recovery at a training camp in Dubai during the Christmas period and he was required to undergo a rehabilitation programme.
Diaz has since stepped up his recovery with Liverpool's academy during the international break and he reported back to first-team training for the first time on Tuesday.
The Colombian was spotted again in training on Thursday, providing a major boost for Jurgen Klopp ahead of Saturday's contest with Man City.
Lucho x Darwin 😎 pic.twitter.com/iJAXPpZpB7
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) March 30, 2023
Speaking to reporters about Diaz's recovery at the end of February, Klopp said: "When he's back he will be really good and very impactful, of course. That's clear, how quickly I don't know. We have to see, that's the big challenge in these moments.
"There's no time for being patient but you have to be patient. So, we will see, but I am positive about him, that he has a good chance to have a real impact in like 10, 11 or 12 games maybe. Let's see how long it exactly takes."
Meanwhile, Nunez also took part in training on Thursday after withdrawing from the Uruguay squad during the international break due to an ankle issue.
The striker received treatment for a cut on his ankle at Liverpool's AXA Training Centre and, like Diaz, will be in contention to make the matchday squad on Saturday.
© Reuters
In addition, Kostas Tsimikas featured in Thursday's session despite picking up a rib injury in the first half of Greece's goalless draw with Lithuania in Euro 2024 qualifying on Monday.
The left-back is seemingly fit to travel with the first-team squad to the Etihad, although he is unlikely to start ahead of Andrew Robertson.
Juventus loanee Arthur, who has been hampered with injuries and is yet to make his Premier League debut, was another who took part in training, but Thiago Alcantara (hip), Stefan Bajcetic (thigh) and Calvin Ramsay (knee) were all absent as they continue to recover from injury.
Klopp will provide a fitness update on his Liverpool squad when he sits down for his pre-match press conference on Friday.
The Reds, who currently sit sixth in the Premier League table, could move to within four points of fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur with a victory against Man City, who were without the presence of Erling Braut Haaland in team training on Thursday due to a groin problem.
Oliver Thomas
